ALEX FERGUSON expressed strong misgivings about the closing stages of the Premier League title race last night by publicly questioning whether Bolton Wanderers were treating tomorrow's game at Chelsea as seriously as Wigan Athletic were approaching theirs against Manchester United.
Ferguson has been alarmed by sightings of Gary Megson's players on a night out, as well as enjoying the hospitality at Chester races, and he pointedly asked what kind of performance Bolton would be able to muster after going "out all week celebrating".
His remarks brought an immediate denial from Bolton, where the strong suspicion is that Ferguson is once again trying to manipulate the headlines at a crucial point of the season, this time to gee up Chelsea's opponents. The United manager is on the verge of his 10th title in 16 seasons - and United's 17th in total - and he was noticeably keen to make his point as he painted the impression of a demob-happy Bolton side already looking forward to the summer break.
"All you wonderful people in the press have been talking about the integrity of Wigan but nobody has questioned or even mentioned Bolton," said Ferguson. "I've heard about Bolton players out all week celebrating. And it's interesting, the different attitudes between them and Wigan. All we have seen this week are the Wigan players saying how they want to beat Manchester United.
"That's fine; I have no problem with that, because we are a big club. But when you hear about the Bolton players out all week celebrating that amazes me, that change in attitude. Both teams are safe. Both teams are relaxed. But while one is all keyed up to play Manchester United the other is out celebrating."
Ferguson prides himself on having a network of informants throughout the north-west who report to him when his own players are out. In this instance, however, he heard that a group of Bolton players had gone for a meal, followed by late drinks, in Manchester on Monday evening. Some are also reported to have gone to the races two days later.
Yet Megson argued that none of his squad had broken curfews and that it was perfectly acceptable for them to have a night out six days before their next game - as is common practice, for example, among United's own players.
"The players were not 'celebrating'," said Megson. "They went out together, which they have done in the past on Monday nights. Since that point they have been preparing properly and I can assure Sir Alex and everybody else that we will be going into the Chelsea game as prepared as we possibly can be. We are not going to hide the fact that, yes, the players did get together. But it wasn't a celebration."
Nevertheless, Ferguson insisted that his concerns were genuine. "The only thing that gives me confidence about Bolton is their manager and their assistant manager," he added. "I have known Archie Knox for many years, at Manchester United and Aberdeen, and he will not enjoy hearing about his players going out celebrating, and neither will Gary Megson when there is such an important game."
His remarks drew a knowing response from Stamford Bridge, where Avram Grant is quickly becoming accustomed to Ferguson's little tricks, pointedly remarking that "Alex is friends with Mossad but nobody believes me".
The title race has reached its final weekend with the top two sides level on points for the first time in 40 years, and Chelsea are pinning their hopes on getting a better result against Bolton than United manage against Wigan. "We know Alex," said Grant. "I like him, I respect him, but I know why he says these things sometimes. I don't think he really knows what is happening at Bolton - unless he wants to be their manager."
Grant can be encouraged by the news that Wayne Rooney, still nursing a hip injury and focusing on the Champions League final against Chelsea in 11 days, will almost certainly not be back in time to face Steve Bruce's team. "The best I can hope for is to have him as a sub," Ferguson said, "but he will be fit for the final."
He was "very hopeful" that Nemanja Vidic would be fit. Yet even if the Serbian has not recovered from a head injury Ferguson is entitled to be confident given his team's superior goal difference. "We are going to Wigan with a genuine chance of winning the league and we will be supported by some fantastic fans," he said. "I imagine it will be half United and half Wigan and you don't often get that in the Premier League. We would normally get around 4,000 tickets but, believe me, our fans have been buying tickets all week in the Wigan end. There will be some fantastic support for us and hopefully we won't let them down.
"The mood has been very good. We have had an eight-day preparation, the best we have had for weeks. I have no fears about fitness, no fears about form, no fears about confidence. You have to trust your players. I trust them and I'll let them get on with it. Their form has been terrific and they have played some fantastic football. What else I can say?"
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka will not feature n as he is ineligible to play against his former club. The 29-year-old left the Reebok Stadium in January and transfer rules mean he cannot play tomorrow at Stamford Bridge.
Anelka, who has not scored since February, has struggled for a run of starts recently, with Grant using Didier Drogba as a lone striker. Grant has also used Anelka as a wide forward. Salomon Kalou is fit after an ankle complaint and provides Grant an option if Chelsea are chasing the game against Megson's side.
Defender Ricardo Carvalho, however, will need a late check after landing heavily on his back during the victory over Newcastle on Monday. Alex would be expected to partner John Terry if Carvalho does not make it. Guardian Service
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