from : mirror.co.uk
5 January 2006
FERGIE: WE NEED CHELSEA TO CATCH MALARIA
David McDonnell
SIR ALEX FERGUSON last night claimed the only way Manchester United
can catch runaway Premiership leaders Chelsea is if Jose Mourinho's
side are struck down by malaria.
United trail Chelsea by a whopping 13 points after their goalless
draw with Arsenal and Fergie joked that only a plague descending on
Stamford Bridge could change the outcome of the title race.
"You never know, malaria might hit the camp," said Fergie. "We've
got to hope something like that happens."
Although Fergie's tongue was firmly in his cheek with that quip, he
was serious in his subsequent admission that it could be another
two or three years before United can match Chelsea.
By that time Fergie is unlikely to still be in charge at Old
Trafford, which means the United boss must face up to the fact he
may never add to his impressive haul of eight Premiership
crowns.
"We hope to get to Chelsea's level eventually because we have a
young team and we will get better," said Fergie in the aftermath of
Tuesday's draw with Arsene Wenger's side, who are a massive 24
points adrift.
