Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher believes that the sheer amount of injuries suffered at Old Traffordthis season, especially by defenders, has scuppered the Red Devils' bid for a fourth Premier League title.

Although United still retain a chance of winning the league heading into the season's concluding game, it looks very much now as though Chelsea, a point ahead of the Red Devils, will be crowned champions this season.

The Blues face Wigan Athletic at home on the final weekend whilst United welcome Stoke City to Old Trafford.

But Fletcher feels there can be little doubt as to what has prevented Sir Alex Ferguson's men collecting another league crown this campaign, with Patrice Evra at one stage being the club's only fit first team defender.

"Without those defensive injuries it could have been very different," the Scotland international told MUTV.

"At one stage we had one fit defender in the squad. No team has been able to cope with that.

"We had three or four games in that position and ultimately it has cost us.

"If you are going to win the title in England you need a settled defence."

Fletcher has not entirely given up hope of the title yet, but acknowledges that it would take something pretty astounding for Chelsea to spurn their chance now, especially when the Blues' home form has been so formidable this season.

"Although it doesn't look great for us, we just have to win and hope Chelsea drop points," the Scot added.

"It is going to take a lot but we can only concentrate on ourselves. At least we are still in there fighting.
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