‘Sir Alex Ferguson has joined José Mourinho in declaring that there is “no chance” Chelsea can surpass his greatest achievement by winning all four competitions they are contesting this season, but there remain greater doubts about Manchester United’s chances of denting the London club’s ambitions as the rivals prepare to meet at Stamford Bridge tonight in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final.
‘For both clubs, the Carling Cup is the lowest priority of the four competitions that they still have a chance of winning, but Mourinho has approached it with a strength of conviction that suggests it could and should be the first of many this season.
‘Ferguson, by contrast, seems unsure whether to embrace it or disregard it altogether. The grim prospect of another humiliation is likely to weigh heavily on his mind as he ponders changes to the team that was embarrassed by Exeter City in the FA Cup on Saturday.
‘Ferguson believes that fortune has played a significant part in helping Chelsea establish a formidable lead at the top of the Premiership table, but that, as he knows, is a commodity that is vital to any successful team. “They’ve had a great season, they’ve got great momentum and their consistency is good,” Ferguson said. “Yes, people will talk about the breaks they’ve had, but everyone needs breaks when they win something. When we (won the treble) in 1999. I think we only had one player, Henning Berg, injured for the run-in.”
‘Asked whether Mourinho could better his achievement by leading his side to all four trophies, Ferguson said “no chance,” adding that three trophies would be “more feasible” if fortune continues to favour Chelsea. “History tells you that over the next few months they will have a blip,” he said.’