Manchester United stand six points clear at the summit of the Premiership, are in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a home tie against Portsmouth to come, and have Lille between them and a spot in the last eight of the Champions League.

It's a far cry from what anybody expected, following predictions of Sir Alex Ferguson's days being numbered and United going into freefall after the Glazer takeover.

With Chelsea losing to Liverpool, if Fergie's men win at Arsenal on Sunday, in my opinion the title is pretty much theirs. The Gunners inflicted United's only home defeat in September with a 1-0 victory thanks to Emmanuel Adebayor's goal - and the Reds will want revenge this weekend.

Gilberto Silva will be sorely missed by Arsenal as he has been their one consistent player this season, whilst on the other hand United have a full squad to choose from following Wes Brown's recovery from a virus.

Victory for United and we're in pole position for the title and victory is what they should go all out for. That's the only way Manchester United play and anything is possible. Eight years since that unique season of 1999, Ferguson dares to dream: "We have to go for the treble, there's no point in being negative. Let's enjoy it!"

With Portsmouth ahead in the Cup, Lille in Europe and our high-flying league position, with a bit of luck and the spirit of '99 we could reach the Promised Land again. Of course it's a long way away, though, and that 1999 side was something special - but you never say never, especially with United and Fergie's track record.

Ferguson went on to say that questions about his squad were unfounded and that it was good enough to challenge on all three fronts. Who are we to argue?

Yes, we know the squad needs strengthening but the acquisition of Henrik Larsson on a short-term loan deal has so far seemed to be a good move. Two games, one goal and lively performances from the legendary Swede - the acquisition could prove a massive one on all three fronts as fatigue and injuries take their toll.

In Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs, United have one of the best midfield quartets in Europe. The defence is thriving on the competition for places and now the same can be said as the front line, with Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha, Larsson, Ole Solskjaer, Dong Fanghzuo and Alan Smith all fighting for a place.

United's squad and injury levels (touch wood) are at a healthy state and if this remains until the end of the season they will not be far off in terms of silverware come May. That's a cert.

Some have compared Larsson's arrival to that of the King, Eric Cantona, and if Henrik scores the goals which seal the title then few will argue. His effort, motivation, link-up play and goal emphasise how brightly he has started his United career.

Another player who would love to start a career at Old Trafford is Owen Hargreaves. The Bayern Munich and England midfielder said on Friday: "It's been official today that Manchester United have made an offer for me. For a club like United to make an offer is something I appreciate."
Sky Sports claim the offer is in the region of £20million and Bayern's board will discuss it over the weekend, which shows that their resolve is cracking and they are now ready to accept an offer. They will also have to consider whether they will get £20m in the summer transfer window - the answer to that is clearly "no".

Hargreaves, for me, will be the final piece in United's central-midfield jigsaw. Michael Carrick with the vision and creation, Scholes the dynamo, the goalscoring midfield player, and Hargreaves the engine. A perfect all-English combination. It's a combination I'm sure if brought together this month would strengthen United's title challenge and mean success in the future.

On a whole, things are looking good for United. As treble-chasers and Premier League favourites, things couldn't be better. Three points at the Emirates on Sunday and we'll be even further to regaining our trophy - anything other than and it'll be a straight fight to the finishing post. In the Red corner we have Ferguson, experience and youthful exuberance - something which will surely bring us through victorious.
The 2007 chase for a second unique treble may take a whole new turn against Arsenal tomorrow. Will victory mean Part One is complete? I'd say near enough!

Is a League, FA Cup and Champions League treble really a possibility for Manchester United? Let Sportingo have your views.