As Kevin Keegan knows only too well, Manchester United are well versed in coming from behind to win the Premier League, and as he sets about attempting to overhaul Arsenal’s five-point advantage at the top, Sir Alex Ferguson is adamant that his team are capable of bridging the gap once again.

Newcastle United were beaten to the title by Ferguson’s team in 1996 during Keegan’s first spell in charge at St James’ Park when, unforgettably, they let a 12-point lead slip, a situation that prompted the manager’s infamous “I’d love it” rant, but others have succumbed under the pressure, too.

Aston Villa did so during the 1992-93 season after building a solid lead only to be pegged back by United, while Arsène Wenger will need no reminding that Arsenal were ten points clear at the top in 2002-03 but also lost out to Ferguson’s men.

“It’s not easy [to come from behind],” Ferguson said before United’s visit to St James’ Park for today’s Premier League evening kick-off. “We’ve done it in the past, and then we’ve also failed to do it in the past, under different circumstances. “[In 1995] we caught 11 points up on Blackburn until the last game of the season and should have won the title, as they lost their last game at Liverpool [but United could only draw away to West Ham United].

“On other occasions we’ve not quite made it, but we have come from behind quite a few times to win the league, particularly [in] 1993 when we were well behind [Villa] in November but by the time we got to the finishing line we were [ten] points clear.

“What it tells you is that experience counts. You know points are going to be dropped, and I’m sure Arsenal and Chelsea are quite aware of that, but the name of the game is to make sure we don’t drop as many as them.

“At the moment Arsenal are five points clear of us, so they have got an advantage, but they also have some tough games coming up.

“Still, it is unrealistic to think that you can go through the rest of the season and win all of your remaining games.”