Manchester United legend Gary Pallister believes the return to full fitness of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand has been crucial in their recent surge.

Their central-defence partnership is widely held to be the best at United since the days of Dolly and Daisy, aka Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister.

"It's so important, the understanding that Rio and Nemanja have," Pallister told manutd.com.

"Together with Edwin van der Sar, they really gave us a base to work from last year, especially when we weren't very prolific and we were winning a lot of games one-nil.

"That stability has been missing at times this season and we've looked more vulnerable. Fortunately, we have scored a lot of goals and that's got us through games.

"I think Rio and Vidic are still finding their best form because they've been out for so long through injuries and suspensions. But coming into this vital part of the season, I think they could have a huge say in where the title goes."