Manchester United: Can United Still Win the Premier League?

Monday night was a disaster for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

With the victory, Manchester City pulled level on points with Manchester United at the top of the table—but with a vastly superior goal difference over the red half of Manchester, it means that in order for United to win the league this year, they will almost certainly have to do it by finishing with more points than their bitter rival.

For this to happen, City would have to slip up in their remaining two fixtures.

It would also mean United have to win both of their remaining games—something that seems unlikely given the current run of form they have suddenly hit.

So what are United's last two fixtures?

Well, the next clash they face is at Old Trafford against high-flying Swansea.

I remember when the fixtures list came out, thinking this could be a title-deciding period, and I expected that beating Swansea would lead towards their relegation.

The Swans have proven their worth in the League, though, and as such this match now has more of a tricky mid-table side feeling about it rather than a relegation decider.

Still, even given current form you would expect that United should take all three points in this game—narrowly.

On the last day of the regular season the Red Devils travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland.

That is going to be a very, very difficult game. 

Sunderland don't even have a lick to play for—already doomed to mid-table mediocrity—but that won't stop them trying to put one over on United.

With the way things have gone over the past few weeks, you would probably expect the draw to be the most likely result for this fixture—an outcome that wouldn't help United in the slightest.

However, there is always hope, and assuming United do manage to battle it out for the win, that would mean City need to win both of their last matches to secure the title.

The first match comes on the same day as the clash with Swansea.

City have to travel to Newcastle.

Now if this match had come before last weekend, I would have genuinely believed Newcastle could pull off an upset—perhaps even win the match.

However, after somehow losing 4-0 to Wigan, a result that ended a six-match winning streak, there will be a different mentality about the Newcastle players coming into the match.

Remember, of course, that the Magpies could still very realistically qualify for the Champions League this season, so this game is probably the most important of their season so far.

It is very feasible that City could drop points in this game.

City's last fixture is at home to QPR—who are in the battle at the bottom of the table.

Even with the magic of football and the unpredictable nature of the Barclays Premier League, you would almost bet your house on City picking up all three points in this one.

The thought of the side that has ripped apart defences all season losing (at home) to a team that has been sloppy at the best of times defensively doesn't seem very plausible.

So with all that in mind can United win back-to-back league titles?

Unlikely, but possible.

Fergie and co. will have to give it their all to bring home the six points that are left on offer—while also relying on Newcastle (or less likely QPR) to do them a massive favour.

It certainly can be done, but the worst thing about it is the fact that everything is out of United's hands now.

One thing is for sure, it is City's to lose more so than it is United's to win.