The Chelsea goalkeeper reckons Sir Alex Ferguson’s side already have one hand on the Premier League trophy, and that a total collapse is now the only thing that can stop them

Petr Cech, a three-time Premier League champion, believes that only a “meltdown” can stop Manchester United from winning the title this season.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are currently 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 that the title race is still alive, the Czech Republic international believes that Manchester United are on course to win the Premier League title back from Manchester City.

“It would need a meltdown from Manchester United for them not to win the league, it depends on them,” the Chelsea goalkeeper 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 that the race for second is still open.

The goalkeeper added: “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.”