Times Online and PA
Enter our Snapshots of Summer photography competition
Sir Alex Ferguson has cranked up the pressure before the final match of the Premier League season. The Manchester United manager has declared that his team have the experience to win the championship, but while he maintains he is interested solely in his own team's performance away to Wigan Athletic, he has been irritated at reports the Bolton Wanderers squad have begun their post-season break early, celebrating survival achieved by beating Sunderland last weekend.
"All week, people have questioned the integrity of Wigan," Ferguson said. "No one has even mentioned Bolton. Both teams are safe, relaxed and confident. But one can celebrate and the other is all keyed up to play against Manchester United. That difference in attitude amazes me."
Ferguson trusts that his former assistant, Archie Knox, will ensure Bolton are fully prepared for their match at Stamford Bridge. "I worked with Archie Knox for many years at Aberdeen and United. I wish he was playing because he will not enjoy having his players out celebrating and neither will Gary Megson. It is an important game. I am confident in these two guys taking their team to Chelsea."
Manchester United, who lead Chelsea by goal difference at the top of the table, know a victory at the JJB Stadium will clinch their tenth Premier League title. "I said at the start of the season it might go to the wire," Ferguson said. "I am sorry I said that now but we are in the right position. If we win, we have won the league. That is a great incentive for us."
Ferguson will be relying on his senior players, such as Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, to make the difference. The Welshman will equal Sir Bobby Charlton's appearance record of 758 should he take the field. "You cannot dismiss having the experience of doing these things," the United manager said. "That is why you last so long. Some players have shared in those experiences and it is important."
The return of Nemanja Vidic will bolster an already mean defence and given Wigan have never taken so much as a point from their neighbours, few expect the home side to present Chelsea with the championship. "The mood has been good," Ferguson said. "We have had an eight-day preparation, which is better than we have had for weeks so any little niggles are all cleared up. I have no fears about their fitness. I have no fears on the confidence side and I have no fears about their form."
And, should United prevail on goal difference, it will not bother Ferguson one bit. "To have a good goal difference gives you an edge on everyone. It is a point I have made for quite a few seasons. You win the league because you are the best team. It doesn't matter how."
Win a luxury weekend to Newcastle and its neighbour Gateshead, find out more here
Risk, resilience and embracing new technology
Industry sectors news at a glance. Interactive heatmap, video and podcast
Discover the collective power of smart thinking. Submit a solution and be in with a chance to win a Flip MinoHD Camcorder
The inside track on current trends in the charity, not for profit and social enterprise sectors
Everything the Business Traveller needs to know to make a better trip
Make the most of the summer and enter our fabulous photographic competition, you could win a £5000 holiday
Corsica is an island of beauty and contrast, an ideal holiday destination
Enjoy further reading from Travel to Fashion, Business to Sport, discover more
Shortcuts to help you find sections and articles
The clever way to lease a new car is with Car leasing made simple™
2009
42,945
2008
71,450
Car Insurance
Not Specified
MI6
UK-based
£60,000
The Environment Agency
Bristol
Up to £90K
Boots
Midlands
OTE £85k
Credit Protection Association
Nationwide Opportunities
Completely London
Luxury Condo's in Manhattan with NYC views
The best new homes in Wimbledon?
Nationwide
Save up to £1,000 per couple with Elite Vacations at the five-star Constance Lemuria Resort
and do the British Isles this Summer.
Save up to 60% with Oxford Hotels and Inns
Try our inspiring luxury holidays to the Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia.
Great offers available
8 fabulous Canadian cities ...you won’t find cheaper
Contact our advertising team for advertising and sponsorship in Times Online, The Times and The Sunday Times, or place your advertisement.
Times Online Services: Dating | Jobs | Property Search | Used Cars | Holidays | Births, Marriages, Deaths | Subscriptions | E-paper
News International associated websites: Globrix Property Search | Property Finder | Milkround
Copyright 2009 Times Newspapers Ltd.
This service is provided on Times Newspapers' standard Terms and Conditions. Please read our Privacy Policy.To inquire about a licence to reproduce material from Times Online, The Times or The Sunday Times, click here.This website is published by a member of the News International Group. News International Limited, 1 Virginia St, London E98 1XY, is the holding company for the News International group and is registered in England No 81701. VAT number GB 243 8054 69.
I don't know why Sir Alex is concerned about Bolton's dedication to the task it cannot be a surprise ... it's absolutely clear that they are without professional pride since Sam's departure and their continuing acceptance of fourth best remains the mark of the team and Club. Pip pip JVS
JVS, LONDON,