Ugo Ehiogu, the former Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and England defender, predicts the next four weeks could reveal whether United possess the strength in depth required to challenge for promotion.

With the Championship going into hibernation during this week's round of World Cup qualifiers, Blackwell's side return to action when they travel to Derby County on Saturday September 13.

The fixture marks the start of a hectic sequence of games which sees United play seven matches in 22 days, including a Carling Cup third round tie against Arsenal.

But rather than approaching the congested schedule with trepidation, Ehiogu is adamant that his team-mates will use it to confirm their Premier League credentials.

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Making no attempt to disguise his belief that United can reach the top-flight this term, the 35-year-old said: "There are a lot of people expecting to be in that position and there'll be quite a few twists and turns I'm sure but we're quietly confident.

"With so many games coming up the whole squad is going to be needed and so everyone will get their chance I'm sure to be involved.

"Ater we come back against Derby we play Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday for a long time so we'll all be needed."

Ehiogu's commanding performances at centre-half have been one of the highlights of the season so far and saw him selected ahead of captain Chris Morgan for the goalless draw with Cardiff City.

Ehiogu, who was signed a month before Blackwell's arrival in February, added: "Morgs took it like the professional he is. It's a nice thanks when you stay in but there are a lot of games coming up.

"It's unfortunate that he missed a couple through injury but if you look at how busy we'll be then everyone will play their part."

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