Fergie - Blues wary of defeat

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By James Dall   Last updated: 20th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fergie - Blues wary of defeat

Ferguson: Blues showdown

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists Chelsea are fully aware that his side have the quality to come away from Stamford Bridge victorious.

The Red Devils head to West London on Sunday, in a game that can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1, looking to bounce back from their defeat at Liverpool last weekend.

Success for Chelsea would hand Luiz Felipe Scolari's men a nine-point advantage over United, but Ferguson is confident his team will be fired up to ensure they do not slip off the pace so early on in the season.

The Scot said: "Chelsea know fine well Manchester United can win on Sunday. They are a good team and have started very well this season.

"But with the ability we have it is not a daunting task. We have a big job to do and the players will be up for it.

Ronaldo start

"We don't want to come away trailing. We do not want to be nine points behind Chelsea or anyone else for that matter."

Ferguson must decide whether to hand Cristiano Ronaldo his first start of the season after the winger made his return from an ankle injury against Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League.

Of the Portuguese's fitness, he added: "Cristiano is nibbling in my ear all the time. He is bursting to play. He has trained very well and is a natural athlete, so I have no qualms on that score.

"The boy was on fire on Wednesday. He was revved up to do really well. I just have to decide whether it is the right time."