To judge from his suggestion that the Barclays Premier League title race will go “right to the end”, Sir Alex Ferguson expects Manchester United to slip up over the coming weeks, but while the manager preaches caution, his players are feeling increasingly bullish after emerging from “Grand Slam Sunday” with their lead at the top of the table increased to five points.

Ferguson had hoped for a draw between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, rather than the home victory that transpired, but that result, coming two hours after United's 3-0 victory over Liverpool, helped his team to strengthen their position as favourites for the title. “We are in a great position,” Patrice Evra, the United full back, said yesterday. “We have seven games left, seven cup finals, but our destiny is in our hands.”

Ferguson suggested last week that the match away to Chelsea on April 26 could hold the key to the title race, with the London club boasting a formidable record at Stamford Bridge, where United have not won in five visits since April 2002. Another big day for Ferguson is April 13, when United are at home to Arsenal.

“We have a tough run-in, so we're nothing for granted, but we're happy to be in this position,” Michael Carrick, the midfield player, said. “A few weeks ago, we were three points behind. Now the door is open for us. We have a great chance. It's up to us.”

United were put on course for victory on Sunday by Wes Brown, whose opening goal was only his third in 293 appearances for the club, but the defender, who has appeared in more of the club's Premier League matches than any other player this season, is no closer to agreeing an extension to his contract, which expires in June.

Brown wants to stay at Old Trafford, but the club insist that, rather than back down in the stalemate, they will allow him to leave on a free transfer unless he accepts the final offer that he rejected in pursuit of a higher salary.