Sir Alex Ferguson's side are protecting a 12-point advantage over rivals Manchester City, with only 12 games remaining in the season for Roberto Mancini to work his magic, like he did so dramatically last season.

Despite players and backroom staff from both Manchester clubs insisting the title race is still alive, the Czech Republic international believes United are on course to win the English Premier League.

"It would need a meltdown from Manchester United for them not to win the league, it depends on them," Cech told the Daily Mail.

"It is a new situation for Manchester City, trying to defend the title. There are a lot of players in their squad who have never faced the situation.

"You can see they are behind and the pressure is on them and they have to fight with that. It is always easier when you win a first title.

"It is always worse to defend it because you are the team to beat and it becomes tougher."

Even though the race for the title might be over, Cech believes second spot is still up for grabs.

He said: "It is more than possible for us. We just need to have a good run of results.

"If we win those games, obviously we will have a chance of second, but to win the league we are maybe too far away."