Stoke City -Manchester United Preview

May 7, 2010 - 3:25 PM ALEX CROOK STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Gary Neville says Manchester United will only have themselves to blame if they miss out on the Premier League title ahead of Sunday's final day decider at home to Stoke.

The champions must beat Tony Pulis' side and hope rivals Chelsea fail to defeat Wigan at Stamford Bridge to stand any chance of retaining their crown.

Captain Neville fears defeats against the likes of Burnley will come back to haunt Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

England defender Neville said: "I think when you leave it in the hands of others you have to take the punishment.

"All we can do now is do our job and must hope something happens.

"We live in hope because after the draw at Blackburn a few weeks ago we thought all hope had gone so at least we are still in it.

"We will be kicking ourselves if it does not go our way because the mistakes we have made have been unusual.

"It has been a crazy season and I hope we do not come to regret it."

Striker Wayne Rooney also believes United have lost too many games to claim a record-breaking 19th championship.

Top-scorer Rooney said: "If we could have stayed more consistent and not lost so many games we would have won the league but we have lost too many matches. We should not be losing seven games at this club."

United could be boosted by the return of defender Rio Ferdinand following a back injury.

Stoke midfielder Matt Etherington is determined to derail United's title bid \2013 to prove he is worthy of a new contract.

Etherington is chasing a bumper new 30,000 pounds-a-week deal at the Britannia Stadium but negotiations, which began last month, have stalled.

Former England under-21 winger Etherington admits he is growing frustrated at being made to wait.

Etherington, who swept the board at Stoke's Player of the Year awards ceremony, moaned: "I'm not asking for the world, I just want to be on a par with the top earners at the club. For some reason, they don't want to do that.

"I want to stay. The fans are so passionate they make you want to play for them. I know players always say that, but I really do mean it."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis insists there will be no repeat of last month's 7-0 thrashing at Chelsea.

Pulis, whose side are set to emulate last season's 12th placed finish, said: "After losing at Chelsea the players response has been fantastic.

"We have kept clean sheets in our last two games against Everton and Fulham so I could not have asked for any more.

"Going to Old Trafford is never easy but I expect a better performance than the one at Stamford Bridge.

"All the pressure is on United so we can go there express ourselves and hopefully end the season in positive fashion."

Stoke are again without Thomas Sorensen so Bosnia international Asmir Begovic continues in goal.