‘We’re clutching at straws a little bit’
Chelsea’s first title in four years is within the London club’s grasp. Even in a season that has contained as many twists and turns as this one, it would take a huge upset for United to pip them at this stage, even though their comfortable 1-0 victory at Sunderland at least makes Carlo Ancelotti’s side wait for another seven days to be crowned champions.
“All we can do is to win our game next week,” conceded Ferguson after Nani’s first-half goal sealed three points that should have been embellished by a far more handsome margin of victory. Trailing the leaders as they do by a point with a vastly inferior goal-difference, United must beat Stoke City, who were humbled 7-0 last month at Stamford Bridge, and hope that Wigan Athletic pull-off an almighty shock in west London to hand United a fourth consecutive Premier League crown, and their 19th top flight title. Both would be records in English football.
Roberto Martinez’s side, who at times have made Jekyll and Hyde look consistent this season, beat Chelsea 3-1 at the DW Stadium back in September. But with little to play for but pride and a win bonus, few would back them to secure an unlikely double over the champions-elect.
“We’re clutching at straws a little bit,” Ferguson added, as psychology gave way to reality on a bitterly cold afternoon on Wearside.
The towel, however, hasn’t yet been thrown in, and he added, as much in hope as expectation: “Wigan are a very good football team and they’ll go to Chelsea and have a go so you never know what could happen. It’s a crazy game. Manchester City did us a favour in beating Chelsea twice this season and Wigan are another neighbour of ours so we’ll see.”
With an ear cocked towards events at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, United will instead concentrate on taking care of business against Tony Pulis’s muscular side, and keeping their fingers crossed that Wigan can pull off a minor miracle on their behalf on the fifth occasion the Premier League goes into its final round of matches with the title undecided.
“The most important thing is for us to win our game and enjoy it,” Ferguson added. “We’re in front of our own fans, there’ll be 76,000 there and we’ll play the right way and we’ll play with a lot of dignity. You never know what might happen. It would be an incredible achievement because I don’t think four in a row would be done again. The fight goes on.”
Despite their industry and the seemingly close scoreline, Sunderland were easily beaten, and Ferguson added: “We were bright and created plenty of chances, but a single-goal lead is never a healthy score away from home. We got there, that’s the important thing, and three points stretches it out until the last day, it keeps the nerves going.”
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