Michael Owen and José Enrique in a race to be fit for Villa trip

May 20 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

“All our focus is on Sunday and keeping the club in the Premier League.

“We will be very, very positive against a very, very strong Villa side. We have got to

make sure we go there well organised and with the right attitude to try and get something.

“There is nothing we can do to affect other teams. But I believe that if we win we will stay up – I really do. We have got to take care of ourselves and our own result first. It’s very, very important that we do that.”

United, once again, have serious injury and suspension problems to contend with ahead of their trip to Villa Park.

As well as enduring doubts about Owen and Enrique, striker Andy Carroll has been ruled out for six weeks with ruptured ankle ligaments. Fit again Shola Ameobi and youngster Nile Ranger will compete for a spot on the bench. As well as missing the suspended Bassong, Joey Barton continues to serve his own suspension for his red card against Liverpool.

But Dowie insists their replacements can do a good job.

“Michael’s scan results are positive, so we’re hopeful,” he said. “But he’s yet to train and he’s not 100 per cent. It will go down to the wire, definitely. We want him – he’s the club captain and he’s a born goalscorer. If we don’t have him, so be it. We can go in with Oba and Mark, who would have had a goal a piece on another day on Saturday.

“Jose Enrique’s now back to full training but he’s still a little bit stiff. He gives us a different option but I think Damien Duff has been excellent there.”