United won’t get any bonus from Bruce, declares Grant

AVRAM GRANT is confident that Chelsea’s hopes won’t fall foul of Alex Ferguson’s extensive old boys network after ensuring the Premier League title remains unresolved going into the final round of matches.

With a far superior goal difference, Manchester United need only match the London club’s result at home to Bolton Wanderers when they travel to Wigan Athletic, managed by former Old Trafford defender Steve Bruce.

Grant insists that any insinuation that Bruce will ensure that the already safe Latics allow their visitors an easy ride to a 10th Premier League title in 16 seasons on Sunday is grossly unfair, stating: ‘‘I’m a positive and optimistic person.

‘‘I’ve been involved in football for 30 years and I believe in the traditions of English football and I don’t believe they will give United an easy game.

“You never know what might happen in the last game. ‘Maybe we can win 18-0 on Sunday, if we play against a team that will let us. I don’t think so,” Grant joked.

While pleased with the three points, Grant conceded Chelsea’s first-half display was less than impressive.

“We didn’t play well in the first half,’’ he admitted. ‘‘In all the time that I’ve been here we’ve been improving all the time.

“But the players aren’t robots. We changed the system and they got used to it very well, and the second half we dominated.

“It’s been a great week, not only because we are winning but because we are also playing excellent football. I hope that continues.”

Wigan earned a battling point at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, and Chelsea skipper John Terry agrees with his manager. He added: ‘‘Wigan have been a credit to themselves and did themselves justice when they got a draw against us so I’m sure they’ll battle all the way against United.

“We have worked our socks off all year, so it will be disappointing if they don’t. We saw many teams yesterday putting out full-strength teams and really going for it against some teams who have got nothing to go for.

“Wigan are safe now — hopefully, with a great manager like Steve Bruce, they are going to go for it.

“We have still got a tough game at home to Bolton, but if we pick up the three points, as we did today, we have a very good chance.”

Kevin Keegan was glowing in his praise for Chelsea, but fears Grant’s side are ultimately destined to finish runners-up.

He added: ‘‘They would be worthy champions but I don’t think they will be. In any season apart from this you have one exceptional team. This time there are two. ‘I just can’t see United going to Wigan on the last day and losing. Avram will be going into that last game more in hope than expectation.’’