Hughes: Utd are shoe-ins for title April 18 2008
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is plotting to beat former club Manchester United on Saturday - but feels it would only delay their title celebrations.
With just four games to go, United are close to completing a successful defence of their Premier League crown and Hughes cannot see another of his previous teams, Chelsea, overhauling them.
Avram Grant's side moved within two points of the leaders by winning at Everton on Thursday night and still have to play the Red Devils at Stamford Bridge.
But even though Rovers, needing points to keep their fading European hopes alive, could do the Londoners a huge favour by beating Sir Alex Ferguson's men at Ewood Park, Hughes expects United to hang on.
Hughes, who won two league titles as a player at Old Trafford, said: "I think over the length of the season they have been the most consistent side and the most attractive to watch.
"The combination of those two things has enabled them to have the points they have at this stage.
"I think they won't lose it because they have the knowledge of being in this position before and they get the job done.
"Nobody in managerial terms has more experience than Sir Alex and he has been in this situation time and time again and he will just get the job done, I am sure."
Hughes admits he has his work cut out to find a way of containing the Red Devils, whose squad he feels is now stronger than at any other time during Ferguson's 21-year reign.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been their star player this term, the Portuguese winger having netted 37 goals in all competitions, but Hughes is also well aware of their strengths in other areas.
He said: "The basis of their season this year has been the fantastic ability they have and the standout season of a certain guy from Portugal, but I think the real platform they have had is defensively, where they have been absolutely rock-solid.
"When you know you have that defensive platform then the guys in front can just be a lot freer in their play, safe in the knowledge that they are not going to be exposed at the back.
"I think he [Ferguson] possibly said it was his best squad, which means they have strength in depth. That is definitely correct.
"When he makes changes, when he tries to freshen up the team, invariably he brings in players of a very similar stature and ability and the whole squad is of a high quality.
"It is very difficult when you go up against top teams because collectively they are always very strong, but even when they are on a day when they are not firing on all cylinders you always have individuals that are able to produce things that no-one else can.
"That spark and inspiration that the top players have makes them stand out and United have five, six, seven of those players, so it makes it very difficult to be able to legislate for every single one of them."
Hughes, however, is pleased with the efforts of his own squad this season and feels they have held their own in the top half of the table.
Sitting ninth, they still have much work to do overhaul Aston Villa and Manchester City in the race for an Intertoto Cup spot but neither Hughes nor his players are giving up.
"We have bumps and bruises and people not 100% but we're not in bad shape considering we're four games from the end.
"There are guys who will put their hands up and say they are fit and well, which is always good.
"Sometimes you have to make decisions for them but I am pleased that everyone is throwing their hats into the ring and I've got a big squad to pick from.
"It's just about making sure I've got the right bodies in the right physical shape to go up against United.
"We always pride ourselves on how we prepare the players and we have come through a long, hard season. We started earlier than most playing competitive games and we have coped fairly well.
"We have got four games left. Aston Villa and Man City are in and around us - Villa have had a good run of late but have got a difficult game at the weekend, where they may slip up.
"We have got to try to do the best we can."