Ronaldo, Torres talk up United prospects

Ronaldo, Torres talk up United prospects

Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres may be fierce title rivals but both players believe Manchester United's comprehensive defeat of Chelsea has now made the reigning champions the favourites to defend their crown.

While their respective managers have been slugging it out verbally, the duo sat next to each other in harmony in Zurich's Opera House, before Ronaldo was awarded FIFA's world player of the year, with Torres coming third.

Their opinions were united on United too - though Rafa Benitez may not welcome his Spanish striker's opinion - in that both believe Sir Alex Ferguson's side are once more in pole position following the 3-0 rout of Chelsea.

Ronaldo, who also insisted no deal has been agreed for him to move to Real Madrid next season despite reports to the contrary in Spain, said: "Manchester United are of course in a good position right now to win both the Champions League and the Premier League again.

"We have shown we are one of the best clubs in the world and if we continue on this path we would have few troubles - we are in a very good position to win.

"We respect all the other teams but I believe we can win this year."

Torres agreed, but said Liverpool will fight every inch of the way, and believes that the title is likely to be decided at Old Trafford when the Reds visit on March 14.

He also pointed out that United could overtake Liverpool at the top of the table if they win their two games in hand - Ferguson's men in fact could be leaders again before the Merseysiders play their next game.

Torres said: "They are the favourites and the champions right now and have shown over the years they are a very powerful team.

"They have two matches more to play and if they catch up will be on top of the league.

"We know we have Old Trafford waiting for us and then Arsenal and Chelsea at home. We have to fight until the very end.

"The match at Old Trafford could turn out to be the decider and we hope we can be on an equal footing when we go there and try to win the match at a place that has not been advantageous for us in the past."