Black day looms for Cats

ALEX FERGUSON hopes to see Manchester United ruthlessly shove Sunderland through the Premiership exit door before begging a massive title favour off old mate Sam Allardyce.

After starting last month 18 points behind championship favourites Chelsea, Ferguson's men will close the gap to just four if they condemn the Black Cats to a defeat at Old Trafford tonight, which would confirm their relegation back to the Football League.

And Ferguson feels such a position would pile the pressure on Chelsea ahead of their hazardous trip to the Reebok Stadium tomorrow.