Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie: Title in Chelsea's hands

04 Apr 2010 - 11:16:10

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted the Premier League title is now Chelsea's to lose following defeat in Saturday's showdown at Old Trafford.

United lost 2-1 to visiting Blues after a goal in either half from Joe Cole and Didier Drogba.

The Red Devils are now two points behind the table-topping London club with just five games remaining in the season and Ferguson has admitted the title is now firmly in their rivals' grasp.

"Chelsea are favourites now, no question," said the veteran Scot.

"There are five games left and they are two points ahead and four goals better off in goal difference. They're in the driving seat, no question about that.

"I'm certain we'll respond. But we could win our next five games and not win the league. If Chelsea win their five, they're champions."

Meanwhile, an angry Ferguson claimed United have now been 'undone' twice by poor refereeing decisions against Chelsea this season.

Ferguson was outraged that United were denied a first-half penalty when Ji-Sung Park looked to be tripped by Yuri Zhirkov in the 26th minute.

Chelsea then score what proved a decisive 79th minute second goal through a clearly offside Drogba to rub further salt into the wounds.

"What I can't understand is the linesman was directly in line with it," claimed Ferguson.

"There's nobody in front of him and he gets it wrong. In a game of that magnitude you really need quality officials. We didn't get them today and it was a poor, poor performance.

"That's twice we've been undone by refereeing decisions against Chelsea - it was the same down at Stamford Bridge. So we've caught the wrong end of them this season.

"It's unfortunate but it happens. Sometimes you get the decisions for you, sometimes you don't."