McLeish tips United for title

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has tipped Manchester United to win the Premier League despite not having hit top form yet.

The 18-time champions travel to St Andrews on Tuesday hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table.

United beat Sunderland 2-0 on Sunday to go two points clear at the summit with two games in hand on second-place Manchester City.

And McLeish believes United are now firm favourites to win the title come May.

“When one or two of your top players are not quite on top form then it can affect the team,” he said.

“Rooney wasn’t on top form, and Berbatov started well and then faded, but on yesterday’s performances they looked awesome. They’re the title favourites on recent form.”

Despite the enforced winter break, which saw Birmingham’s Boxing Day clash with Everton postponed, McLeish insists his team are ready for the face Alex Ferguson’s men.

“Everton had some problems overnight. David Moyes phoned me and apologised for the fact we had to travel,” McLeish said

“I don’t think the players have lost any sharpness. We’ve had a really good week in training.”

“We had some problems clearing the snow the previous week therefore our training was a little bit interrupted. But we we’re ready for the Everton game,” he added.

Birmingham have not been beaten by any of the top six at St Andrews in 18 months and McLeish, who played under Ferguson while he was manager of Aberdeen, is hoping to cause an upset.

“We have to keep that reputation going. We want to preserve that reputation and after the game we want United saying that it is a tough place to come to.”

“We hope we can spring a surprise or two tactically that can make it uncomfortable for United.”

Birmingham have no injury worries going in to the tie, however Alexander Hleb is unlikely to start due to a lack of match fitness.