Tough without Wazza

So former Reds striker Andy Cole has said that United’s forwards can keep the title at Old Trafford this year.But after crucial goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney in recent narrow league victories, Cole’s belief that United’s attacking quartet (Ronaldo included) will hit top form is now threatened by injury. Rooney hobbling off after netting the winner against Wigan will disrupt a partnership with Berbatov that appeared to be edging towards perfection.Berbatov’s decisive strike at home to Middlesbrough, Wazza’s five-minute contribution against the Latics, and then a double act from the two in a glorious demolition of Chelsea has given United the chance to pinch top spot with a win at Bolton. But with Rooney set to miss up to five games, will Berbatov and Carlos Tevez be able to recreate the spark that the Bulgarian had begun to ignite with Wazza? The pair have scored just six Premier League goals between them so far this season - the same number scored by the striker whom United will have to do without for now.So why is it that I should be concerned about goals coming from a team blessed with the grace of Berbatov, the terrier-like work rate of Tevez, and the 42-goal-scoring World Player of the Year?Well, take a look at the Premier League table. Five points separate the top four, and although the unlikely sight of Liverpool at the top of the table will no doubt soon be rectified, this season's race will most certainly go to the wire.Don't rule out Aston Villa - they may not have scored five goals in a game yet like United, Chelsea and Liverpool all have, but Martin O'Neill's men have notched up four goals on an impressive three occasions.A relatively underwhelming eight goals in the last nine Premier League matches has seen United generate enough points to be well placed in their title assault, but it’s the fantastic standards set by the defence which they have to thank for the points.Nemanja Vidic has been a fearless warrior at the back, while Jonny Evans has excelled in the absence of Rio Ferdinand. But with Patrice Evra now sidelined as well, United may need to rustle the back of the net more often, more than ever.Fingers crossed that Cristiano feels like smashing some more records, that Tevez channels all that restless energy into an avalanche of goals, and that Berbatov casually wanders through defences before guiding the ball nonchalantly into the net in the games ahead.The next three weeks or so will undoubtedly be tough in Wayne’s absence, but Cole is right, United’s strikers can bring home the title.