Sir Alex Ferguson surprised at surpassing Manchester City

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was glad to see his side cruise to a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Despite Albion’s recent purple patch, United always fancy their chances at Old Trafford, especially versus ‘smaller’ clubs.

Thus, it wasn’t really surprising that the Red Devils were able to get three points on Sunday.

However, the shock heard around the United Kingdom came from Liberty Stadium, Wales, where English Premier League newcomers Swansea City notched a famous win over United’s noisy neighbours Manchester City, courtesy of a Luke Moore header (83′).

Against all odds, the Swans overcame a missed penalty by former Chelsea winger Scott Sinclair to get an improbable three points versus City.

To be perfectly honest, I doubt anyone really felt that Swansea could pull off clean sheet, let alone a victory, against City on Sunday.

After all, even Sir Alex Ferguson wasn’t expecting to overtake Roberto Mancini’s side.

“That was a bonus I didn’t expect that maybe,” Fergie told MUTV. “At this time of the season points will be dropped and you have to make sure you don’t drop as many as your opponents.

“If you can keep winning that is the name of the game for both of us. If you keep winning the games whittle away and you run out of games.”

With 10 Premier League games remaining for both United and City, the Premier League title race is still far from over.

In fact, you could argue that City still have the advantage over United.

Remember that the second Manchester derby of the 2011-12 Premier League season will be held at the Etihad Stadium on April 30.

I believe that the winner of that fixture will still probably go on to win the league. Although the reverse fixture at Old Trafford ended 6-1 in favor of City, I have a feeling that United will not concede 6 the next time these bitter rivals clash.

Now then, it’s very important that United maintain their form in the Premier League. The Red Devils will face Wolverhampton Wanderers (away), Fulham (home), Blackburn Rovers (away), Queens Park Rangers (home), Wigan Athletic (away), Aston Villa (home) and Everton (home) before the highly anticipated Manchester derby at the end of April.

In retrospect, City’s next seven league matches are against Chelsea (home), Stoke City (away), Sunderland (home), Arsenal (away), West Bromwich Albion (home), Norwich City (away) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (home).

I think it’s safe to say that United have the easier upcoming schedule. Subsequently, I fancy the defending champions to create a larger points gap between them and City come April 30, which will inevitably lead to another Premier League title for Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United.

Which Manchester club will win the English Premier League title?