Manchester United must make history to snatch Premier League crown from Manchester City

Sir Alex Ferguson said Mark Hughes’ “unethical” sacking would motivate the QPR manager on his return to Eastlands (EPA)

Manchester United will have to make Premier League history if they are to retain the title. In five of the league's 20 years, the title race has gone down to the final afternoon but on no occasion has the lead changed hands.

Only once has the team leading on the final day not won their match – in 1995 United were unable to exploit Blackburn's defeat at Liverpool. If United beat Sunderland but finish second, they will finish on 89 points, which will be the highest second-placed tally in history.

Sir Alex Ferguson said Mark Hughes' "unethical" sacking would motivate the QPR manager on his return to Eastlands. He also appealed directly to Hughes' players.

"The future of their club could be resting on what they do at City," Ferguson said. "Of course, it will be difficult for them, but you have to hope. Things happen and you don't know why they happen."