Fergie: We don’t want the gap to open

Alex Ferguson has dismissed the idea Manchester United’s Premier League title rivals would gain a significant advantage if they got dumped out of Europe.

Ferguson is virtually certain the only realistic challengers to his side this season are Manchester City and tomorrow’s opponents Chelsea.

Yet, whilst United continue to march on purposefully in the Champions League, City and Chelsea both have a problem. Indeed, City seem certain to tumble through the exit door after collecting just one point from their opening three games. Chelsea have done a bit better.