Fergie takes it in his stride

BIRTHDAY candles and not titles are the only things to be blown this weekend, if Alex Ferguson is to be believed.

The wily Scot, in psychological battle mode on this potentially decisive Premiership weekend is downplaying the magnitude of affairs over the next 48 hours. Should United beat Charlton Athletic at Old Trafford this afternoon and if second-placed Arsenal fail to beat Leeds United tomorrow, then the Manchester side will be crowned champions for the eighth time in 11 seasons, under Ferguson's guidance

"I don't think I'll be watching the game; I've got my grandson's birthday on Sunday so I'll be at the birthday party," he said yesterday.