Park glad to contribute

Ji-sung Park may not be the biggest player in United's squad, but he capped an impressive display against Charlton with his first headed goal for the Reds.

Park rose above Addicks defender Ben Thatcher to head in from Patrice Evra's cross.

The Korean midfielder's goal, his fourth in two years for the Reds, put United in front and on the way to a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.

"I just tried not to miss the chance when Charlton's defenders were struggling to clear the ball. Fortunately for me it went in," Park told Yonhap news agency.

The 25-year-old is not renowned for his height nor his aerial presence, but now he is back fit after injury problems earlier in the season, Park wants to improve in all aspects of his game.

"Although I am 100 percent in shape," he said, "I always try to find something to improve in every match. I have to try to be perfect."

Reds seek capital gain

Results for the Reds in London could prove pivotal if United are to successfully de-throne Chelsea as Premiership champions this season.

Sir Alex’s men take on Tottenham on Sunday, the first of three visits to the capital before the end of the season. The Reds usually enjoy trips to White Hart Lane, having taken maximum points from the last five trips there. Continuing that record is imperative.

United have lost only three times this term in the Premiership, all of which have come against London-based opposition (Arsenal twice, and West Ham). And two of those defeats have come in the capital.

In the last six league visits to London, the Reds’ results have been indifferent. Defeats to Arsenal and West Ham were preceded with a 3-0 win over Charlton in August, while the Reds lost 3-0 to Chelsea, beat Spurs 2-1 and drew 0-0 with the Gunners in the second half of last season.

Every game from here on in could have a significant bearing on the title, but with almost half of United's remaining away games being in the capital, results in London could make all the difference.

Trips to London have been vital in seasons past. The last time United lifted the title in 2002/03, a 2-2 draw against Arsenal in April 2003 with goals from Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ryan Giggs was a huge result. And eleven days later, a 2-0 win over Spurs all but secured title success.

No January regrets for Reds

The January transfer deadline passed without any major incomings for the Reds, but Sir Alex Ferguson says he is comfortable with the squad he has.

There were attempts to bring in Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves and Southampton's Gareth Bale during the mid-season transfer market, but Sir Alex will have to wait until the summer if he is to land the two long-term targets.

However, the United boss remains confident he has the depth of quality needed as the Reds continue to challenge for the Premiership, Champions League and FA Cup.

"We are happy with the squad we have," he said after watching his side defeat Watford 4-0.

"We have a terrific bunch of lads. There is a good spirit among them, so we will just get on with it."

United did, of course, strengthen in attacking areas with the loan signing of Henrik Larsson from Swedish club Helsingborg.

The 35-year-old has now scored two in four games since arriving at the start of January, and has significantly enhanced Sir Alex's striking options at a crucial time of the year.

No cop-out from Rooney

Wayne Rooney’s return to form could prove very timely for the Reds as the title run-in gathers pace.

The 21-year-old has emerged from a barren spell of just one goal in 13 matches to score four goals in the last three games for United.

Former United star Lou Macari says the Reds striker is showing all the signs of player on top form.

“He’s playing with confidence now,” Macari told MUTV. “I think his confidence had deserted him a little bit. Not just in goalscoring terms, but his touch as well. His touch and passing ability is superb, but it had deserted him.”

However, ex-United defender Gary Pallister praised Rooney for battling through what was generally perceived as a lull in his performances.

“Nobody could question his work-rate during that spell,” said Pallister. “What impressed me most was that he didn’t hide or shirk responsibility. He still battled away and wanted to get on the ball."

In the 4-0 win over Watford, Rooney was influential in almost every United attack scoring one and making another for Henrik Larsson.

Pallister added: “At the moment Wayne is scoring goals and it has given a real boost, which you can see in his performances.”