Ferguson fearing Chelsea surge February 29 2008
Sir Alex Ferguson is wary that Chelsea could come up on the rails and take the Barclays Premier League title.
Avram Grant's side are nine points adrift of Arsenal and six behind United but have a game in hand on both their rivals.
Ferguson takes his team to Fulham on Saturday, insisting the title race will be tight and tough.
"The number of points Chelsea are behind Arsenal is not insurmountable because in this Premier League points can be dropped," the United boss told the League Managers' fficial website.
"The fact that they have got us and Arsenal at home, and their home record is so good, you would have to think they have still got a big chance in the Premier League."
Ferguson, however, believes Chelsea would be happier winning the Champions League rather than the domestic crown.
He said: "I think that is what they are really after given Roman Abramovich's contribution to their rise in the last few years.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson insists that victory against United is a must if the Cottagers are to avoid being sucked further into the relegation mire.
"We need to win," said Hodgson. "We need to win our home games and some away games as well.
"There is an element of luck and sometimes you can play well and lose, or play badly and win.
"I am very much aware that wins are the order of the day for us and if we don't get some soon then our predicament will worsen."