Fergie: Blues played into our hands

Sir Alex Ferguson cannot believe his luck at the moment.

Manchester United are top of the pile having racked up a record-breaking defensive record and their closest rivals Chelsea have sacked their manager.

The Blues’ dismissal of Luiz Felipe Scolari was impatient and played right into the hands of United, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Scolari got the boot last week after the goalless home draw by Hull left them well adrift of United and football odds of 20.0 to win the title.

United will open up a 10-point lead on the Londoners if they overcome Fulham at Old Trafford tonight.

Ferguson has revealed his surprise at the swiftness of Roman Abramovich’s decision to axe Scolari, who won the World Cup with Brazil before guiding Portugal to the final of Euro 2004. And he is sure that United’s closest challengers will now be Liverpool although he will be keeping an eye on Aston Villa.

“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.”

By Phil Tomlinson, an online sports writer for Betfair – Check them out for Grand National bet.