Many years ago, Alex Ferguson made a promise to all Manchester United fans, a promise that every self-respecting Liverpool and United fan will recall: "Manchester United, under my reign, will knock Liverpool off their perch. I will not resign before United have overtaken Liverpool in the league." - or something to that effect.  Back then, Liverpool fans sneered in utter despise, laughing their heads off,  while most United fans dismissed it as mere enthusiasm.

But the alarm bells are ringing at Anfield, because their worst nightmare, United equaling them and overtaking them next season seems like a reality.

Dimitar Berbatov and Manchester United are the World Club champions, Carling Cup finalists, FA Cup quarter-finals, and defending Champions League and Premier League champions, have kept 14 successive clean sheets in the league and are determined to do the unprecedented – win all five competitions in which they are fighting for this season.

Sir Alex has challenged Manchester United to win every game between now and the end of the season. He has called for Berbatov and co to get in it and do the  unprecedented: the unbelievable: the Quintuple.

The Red Devils go into the weekend five points clear at the top of Liverpool the Premier League table, comfortably disposing off Fulham with a 3-0 home on Wednesday night. They have a superior goal difference over second placed Liverpool of nine, lead Aston Villa by eight points, Chelsea by 10 and Arsenal by 15. An 11th Premier League title is theirs to lose.

Ferguson said to the Man United website ahead of the match with Blackburn: "We are in excellent form. We may not win every game between now and May, but that will be our aim. There is a mental toughness about the team these days and that will stand us in good stead as the pressure builds. This group of players has been together for a couple of seasons and they have developed strong bonds. And as we enter the final months of the season, I think we are going to take some beating."

In response, Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt claims that he is not alarmed by United's ominous form and five-point lead in the Premier League. "It's right to say we have players who are just reaching their peak," the Dutchman said.

Finally, Ferguson has said that Wayne Rooney will play against Blackburn: "He has to start so we can see how far advanced he is, but we think he's fine. John O'Shea's swollen heel, sustained on Wednesday night, means the Irishman is a slight doubt. Other than that, it's the same squad."

It will take something special out of Rafa Benitez, Steven Gerrard and Liverpool to stop United now, since they were in pole position this season for so long and let it agonisingly ember away. It will take something special out of the Reds if they are to present the Spion Kop faithful finally with the coveted N19 on the 20 year anniversary of Hillsborough, after two decades of disappointment.