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In the short term, footballing success comes from a lucky corner or a dodgy penalty. In the medium term, it comes from a solid back four and at least one decent winger. In the long term, it comes from a solid demographic base and successful merchandising.

United had a bad few years. After reaching the Champions League quarter finals for seven years in a row, they failed from 2004 to 2006. In the Premiership they came third, third and second in those years, after seven titles in the previous ten. They did have good FA Cup runs, reaching the final twice and winning once, and won the Carling Cup 4-0 against Wigan, but it's the Premiership and, especially, the Champions League that set the standard.

Because this period coincided with public disagreements between Ferguson and some of his top players, most famously with David Beckham but also with Jaap Stam and Roy Keane, many commentators felt that United were entering a period of decline. These are medium rather than long term factors, however, and as you might expect United have come back strongly. At the time of writing (April 6 2007) they are six points clear with seven games left, and into the quarterfinals of the Champions League and the semifinals of the FA Cup. They might quite possibly win three trophies this year.

If you look at the number of points they gained in the Premiership, you can see that they've been remarkably consistent throughout this period. Since the Premiership started in 1993, they've earned an average of 81.6 points. The highest was 92 points ni 1994, the lowest 75 points in 2004. If they take 15 or more points from the last 21, which on current form they should, they'll set a new record this season. Aside from Roman Abramovich and a couple of unlucky European nights, there has never been a crisis.

Learn more about this author, Jon Eccles.
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