With an FA Cup Final clash with Chelsea already secured for May 19, United embark on another big week on Saturday when they tackle Middlesbrough at Old Trafford looking for the first of four wins which would secure their first title in four years.

Three days later, AC Milan come to town for a heavyweight Champions League semi-final showdown which is sure to attract another capacity crowd to the Theatre of Dreams.

Ferguson has been reluctant to draw any comparisons between the current season and the historic 1999 Treble-winning campaign.

And, while the Scot accepted a repeat was still a possibility, he insisted regaining domestic supremacy was his overwhelming priority.

"You start off the season hoping you are going to win a major trophy and that remains a possibility for us," he said.

"With an immense amount of luck we could still win all three but if we go on to win the league I would be quite happy at that."

Most United fans share Ferguson's view, although the prospect of winning the title then losing a Champions League final to fierce rivals Liverpool is not quite so appealing.

Yet Ferguson also knows his team could end up empty-handed if they suffer a major end-of-term wobble as Chelsea match them stride for stride.

With 81 points already on the board, the Red Devils have already exceeded their tally from previous championship-winning campaigns.

Still Chelsea remain on their coat-tails though, emphasising the rising standards required to finish top.

"The simple fact is that Chelsea set the benchmark quite clearly for us," said Ferguson.

"They have won the last two titles with over 90 points, which is a terrific total.

"That is the marking card now. That is the total you have to reach in order to realistically feel you can win the league."

United look set to be honoured for their superb form on Sunday, with Cristiano Ronaldo hot favourite to squeeze out team-mates Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, plus Chelsea's Didier Drogba, in the PFA Player of the Year awards.

Ferguson is unaware of any dressing room banter between his trio of hopefuls, although he does believe United's mass representation at the prestigious ceremony is a reliable indicator of the entertainment they have provided.

A veteran of eight previous title-winning campaigns during his time with the Red Devils, Ferguson is experienced enough to trust his players to deliver the major prize.

However, he recognises the need for a slice of good luck to go with his team's undoubted skill, and also the requirement to conquer nerves that are bound to arise the closer they get to achieving their aims.

"It doesn't matter which teams win the league, there are always moments of nervousness," said Ferguson.

"But the main thing is the players are enjoying it, and I am enjoying watching them.

"We will need a bit of luck. I have always had that any time I have done well. And what we need now is to keep this group fit for the rest of the season.

"If we do that then we have a real big chance."

Ferguson's prayers have been answered in a sense as Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and John O'Shea are all available to face Boro after minor muscle problems.

Nemanja Vidic and Park Ji-sung remain sidelined, with a decision due on the latter player's fitness next week once a specialist's report into his knee injury has been assessed.

Louis Saha is still missing too, with Ferguson confirming the Frenchman still has doubts over his recovery from a hamstring injury he aggravated during the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final in Rome.

"We feel Louis is back but in his own mind, he has to be 100% fit," he said.

"There is a cautious approach and he just felt it when he came on against Roma the other day.

"Now it is just a question of him having the confidence to make sure he feels right."