Victorious in the World Club Championship and League Cup, still in the FA Cup and Champions League; as well as pretty much having sewn up the league, there is a simple question to ask. Can anyone stop Manchester United?

Many bookmakers are starting to panic on the Quintuple becoming a reality. Is it really a possibility? Liverpool and Chelsea are stuttering on the domestic front and with United's strength and depth they keep grinding out results. With the towering Nemanja Vidic and the evergreen Ryan Giggs, United even look a better side than the European Champion winners of last season. No more 'one-man-team' labels with Ronaldo in the shadows of some of his more modest teammates. The underrated Michael Carrick has been immense, and the breakthrough of youngsters such as Rafael has also been a bonus.

We have seen a different United this term: mechanical, inexorable, ruthlessly yet aesthetically and attractively efficient. Europe looks the biggest obstacle. No one can deny the talent of Barcelona. With Lionel Messi running the show in La Liga, and Thierry Henry rolling back the years; they are an attacking threat to be respected.

Could Ferguson's friend Jose Mourinho cause a shock at Old Trafford in the return leg of their last 16 tie? Even Sir Alex himself said of Fulham in the FA Cup, 'one deflected shot in off the backside and it's all over'. I think the old war horse is showing his guile. He has played down talk of a five trophy haul but deep down he must be confident.

The only glimmer of hope for United's challengers is some sort of implosion upon having their backline penetrated - remember Arsenal's invincibles stuttering after losing their record, but that doesn't look likely does it?

Written by Tom Payani