Carvalho - Heat on United

Chelsea defender believes in final-day 'miracle'

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 9th May 2008

Ricardo Carvalho

Carvalho: Pressure on United

They will have more pressure on them this Sunday than us because nearly everyone believes the title is already United's.

Ricardo Carvalho.
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Ricardo Carvalho believes the pressure is on Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Sunday's Premier League title finale.

The Red Devils travel to Wigan knowing victory would be enough to secure their 10th Premier League crown, while Carvalho and his Chelsea team-mates have a home date with Bolton in which they must better the result of their title rivals if they are to be crowned champions.

The Portugal international centre-back knows the odds may be against the trophy being lifted at Stamford Bridge, but feels that could work in their favour.

And with Ronaldo's 40-goal haul having carried United to the brink of Premier League and UEFA Champions League glory, the gifted winger will be under the spotlight once again.

Miracles

Carvalho told the Daily Mirror: "They will have more pressure on them this Sunday than us because nearly everyone believes the title is already United's.

"Cristiano is their big star but he is human too and he could fail under all the expectation.

"Miracles do happen. I am just hoping Wigan take all three points and that leaves us to beat Bolton. I am convinced we will beat Bolton, so the key to the title will be at Wigan."

Carvalho has no concerns that the Latics, who are managed by United legend Steve Bruce, will not give 100 per cent in the JJB Stadium meeting.

He added: "I feel certain we will see a proper match at Wigan and that Manchester United will suffer problems.

"Even so, I would have preferred different opponents for United. Tougher ones. But you could not predict a last day situation like this.

"Steve Bruce is a legend at Old Trafford. But he is a professional coach and I believe he will not want to lose at home on the final day."

Sensational

And Carvalho revealed the belief that exists in the Stamford Bridge dressing room that they can see off United in both the domestic title race and on 21st May in the Champions League final.

He said: "It has been a sensational race and for us to go into the final day level on points is incredible.

"Many people wrote us off after two months and now we have the chance to win an amazing double.

"The whole squad believes we can do it."

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