Blackburn manager Steve Kean wants to see Manchester United run continue

Steve Kean (GETTY IMAGES)

After coming within 10 minutes of denting Manchester United's Premier League title hopes, Blackburn manager Steve Kean now hopes the Red Devils power on in their quest for a record 20th championship.

Having slipped back into the bottom three as a result of United's 2-0 win at Ewood Park last night, Blackburn are aware the Red Devils' next three opponents are QPR, Wigan and Aston Villa, who are also in the thick of a relegation scrap.

"We are looking for Manchester United to do us a favour now," said Kean.

"We have to look after our own business as well though and if we play like we did for the first 80 minutes for 90 over the next seven games, we will get enough points to stay out of trouble."

For United, it was one of those late wins that have been such a hallmark of so many title triumphs down the years.

By Sir Alex Ferguson's own admission they had David de Gea to thank for still being level heading into the final 10 minutes, when first man-of-the-match Antonio Valencia struck, then Ashley Young, to make it an incredible 10 wins from 11 games and more importantly open up a five-point lead on nearest challengers Manchester City.

"David de Gea made three fantastic saves to keep us in the game," said Ferguson.

"Although we had all the possession, we couldn't create the openings to get in front, so David has done his bit for the team.

"He has really grown in stature the boy. He was outstanding."

Yet De Gea was shaded for the man-of-the-match prize by Valencia, who is quickly turning into United's player of the season despite missing vast chunks of it.

Valencia was clearly the visitors' most dangerous attacking outlet and it was his goal that finally broke Blackburn, even if there was some doubt as to whether it was a cross or a shot as the ball flashed into the far corner.

"They are saying was it a cross or a shot. It doesn't matter," said Ferguson.

"He hit it with such power it was always going to be a problem for the defenders.

"It was a fantastic finish. I thought he was the best player on the pitch."

The timing of Easter Sunday's fixtures mean the Red Devils will be eight points ahead of City by the time the Blues face Arsenal at the Emirates should they beat QPR at Old Trafford.

Not that Ferguson is looking at the situation like that, preferring instead to focus on his own side, who after Rangers then tackle Wigan and Aston Villa.

"They are all big games now," he said.

"It doesn't matter if it is next Sunday, next Wednesday, the Sunday after that, they are all big ones.

"The players are prepared for that. We will fight right to the end in all the games for the right to win the matches."

PA