Premier League
If Jose Mourinho thought he could destabilize Manchester United's renewed assault on the Premiership title by playing mind games with Sir Alex Ferguson he may have to think again.
Chelsea boss Mourinho has regularly taken swipes at Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Liverpool's Rafa Benitez since taking charge at Stamford Bridge.
PHOTO: AP
Until this season Ferguson has been off-limits when it comes to Mourinho's psychological warfare. But United's emergence as genuine challengers to Chelsea's two-year reign as English champions has given Mourinho an incentive to turn his waspish tongue on Ferguson.
This week he suggested that United were having to play at their peak to stay ahead of Chelsea, while the Blues were capable of raising their game considerably.
Mental Battles
But Ferguson has won a few mental battles himself during his illustrious career, with Kevin Keegan famously losing his cool during a television interview as he was asked about comments made by the United boss.
So Mourinho's carefully chosen words have fallen on deaf ears at Old Trafford and Ferguson was quick to turn the spotlight back onto Chelsea's inconsistent displays so far this season.
United could kick off at West Ham today with just a two-point advantage on Chelsea if the Londoners win at Everton earlier the same day.
But he is confident United can hold off Chelsea's challenge and win the Premiership for the first time since 2003.
"Chelsea could find a new level," he said. "They could get worse. I actually think Chelsea's level at the moment is better than it has been over the past two years."
`Delighted'
"I didn't see their game against Newcastle on Wednesday and to be honest, I am not going to pay much attention to what they are doing. I prefer to concentrate on my own team because we are doing everything right," Ferguson said. "Even if we were two points behind Chelsea, I would still be delighted with the way things are going. I know we are going in the right direction and I know we have an outstanding chance. That is the only thing that matters to me."
When Alan Curbishley phoned Ferguson for advice before taking the West Ham manager's job earlier this week, the United boss mischievously reminded his friend that he had never beaten the Old Trafford outfit during 15 years in charge at Charlton.
Curbishley believes Ferguson and his players have rediscovered the drive needed to be champions, but he is upbeat about his chances of finally getting the better of United in his debut as Hammers chief.
"They are playing well. I was up at United's training ground at the start of the season and I realized then that Fergie and the whole place were up for the fight," Curbishley said. "In the last two years they have been behind at this stage of the season but now they are five points in front and they fancy their chances."
"I've beaten Chelsea and Liverpool and won at Arsenal but never done anything against United," he said. "Not many people do but West Ham have upset them a a couple of times in the past and we can do it again."
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