JUST THE LEAGUE WILL DO

Ferguson believes the Chelsea game has added importance after this weekend's results.

"Chelsea away is a very important one for us now.

"I won't complain about losing to Portsmouth on Saturday but the main thing now is to recover and show our mettle."

But as the title pressure cranks up, the United boss insists he is concerned with a different selection problem — which wine to serve Blues chief Mourinho.

Fergie said: "The last time Chelsea came to Old Trafford, Mourinho brought a superb bottle so I'll have to reciprocate with something pretty special.

"I wouldn't want him to be able to say that he gave me a better wine. I'll have to think about a Chateau Latour or Margaux."

Fergie added: "We have six league games to play but two big cup ties before that and the 10-day break for those league matches has come at a great time for us — it's vital."