SOCCER: Rarely are key figures from Manchester United and Liverpool in agreement but that seems to be the case today after both Alex Ferguson and Anfield vice-captain Jamie Carragher predicted a two horse title race in light of the fading challenges from Chelsea and Arsenal.
United manager Ferguson is baffled by Chelsea’s decision to sack World Cup winner Luis Felipe Scolari and though temporary boss Guus Hiddink has stated the title race is not over, the Scot holds has a different view.
United will open up a 10-point lead on the Londoners if they overcome Fulham at Old Trafford tonight and Ferguson feels the main threat to his side now comes from Liverpool, with Aston Villa still an outside bet.
“I think they have played into our hands and that the title race now is going to be between ourselves and Liverpool,” Ferguson told United Review. “However, I shall be keeping a wary eye on Aston Villa, who seem to have picked up the baton from Arsenal.
“I was shocked that Chelsea should part so soon with a manager of such great experience and proven success as ‘Phil’ Scolari.
“Their haste is a reflection of the sad way the game is going, with everyone from owners, the board members, the supporters and the media demanding instant success and showing absolutely no patience in the pursuit of their ambition.”
Carragher was equally dismissive of Chelsea’s challenge today and believes Liverpool are the only ones capable of challenging United. The experienced defender insists his club can be proud of their efforts this term, having moved ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.
“We finished fourth last season, but we have overtaken Chelsea and Arsenal and even though everyone at the club understands that it’s not over yet by a long way, at the moment it looks like it is going to be us and Manchester United for the title,” he told www.liverpoolfc.tv.
“Just by overtaking Chelsea and Arsenal in the challenge is an achievement in itself already so everyone should be proud of that.”
The Reds meet the league leaders at Old Trafford on March 14th and Carragher is hoping the fit-again Fernando Torres can help them put the pressure on United before the sides meet.
He added: “United have got a bit of a lead on us at the moment but if we can close that gap before we go to Old Trafford next month that would put us in a great position - especially if we are in form at the time of that game.
“Fernando has been scoring goals recently, but if we can get him back firing like he did at the end of last season it’s going to be a massive boost for us.”
Liverpool’s bid could be further boosted by the sooner than expected return of skipper Steven Gerrard. The midfielder suffered a hamstring tear in the Merseyside derby on February 4th and was initially expected to be out for three weeks - with the February 25th Champions League clash with Real Madrid thought to be his most likely target.
Now manager Rafael Benitez has opened the door for a potential return from the bench against Manchester City on Sunday. The Spaniard said Gerrard had reacted well to treatment and was eager to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.
“He is improving,” said Benitez. “In these situations each day is important. He is working with the medical staff and is progressing.
“Normally he is a player who recovers quickly. He needs less time than other players.
“Maybe he could be on the bench against City but we don’t know.”
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