Manchester United can take a big step towards retaining their English Premier League title when they face Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday, but they need to do what all their top rivals haven’t managed this season – take three points against Spurs.

Harry Redknapp’s side may have spent the first half of the season struggling near the bottom of the table, but a defeat of Liverpool, a win and a draw against Chelsea and two draws with Arsenal underline their ability to raise their game against top level opponents.

Liverpool‘s 4-4 draw with Arsenal in midweek has increased United’s margin for error.

But although Sir Alex Ferguson‘s men capitalised with a 2-0 win over Portsmouth 24 hours later, their performance was sufficiently jittery to suggest Tottenham could pose a tougher challenge at Old Trafford.

Spurs defender Jonathan Woodgate is anticipating a tight encounter and does not expect United to rest any of their big names ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal.

“We haven’t been beaten by any of the top sides in the league this season and we have beaten Liverpool and Chelsea,” Woodgate said.

“Our record against the top four is impeccable but United will put out a strong side and it will be very tough.”

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Robbie Keane have hinted that he would have enjoyed a fruitful career at Liverpool had there been a different manager. Rafa Benitez brought Keane to Anfield last summer but the Republic of Ireland international was given few opportunities to impress.

He was not a regular starter and was surprisingly left on the substitutes’ bench at times when he appeared to be a good option for the Reds. Keane, who secured a swift move back to Tottenham in the winter transfer window, insists he made the right decision to join Liverpool. But he admits he was perhaps not suited to working with Benitez, and has hinted that he would have liked to be treated with more respect.

“Of course I wish it had gone differently, but I have no regrets,” Keane told Icon magazine.

“I do believe with a different manager it would have worked for me, but different managers have different methods and some have different ideas than those you are used to or believe in.

“People have their own opinions of Benitez. I have nothing against him and will leave people to make their own minds up about him.

“When you’ve been around for a while as a player, all you want is a bit of respect and to be treated the way you feel you deserve to be.”

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