Sir Alex Ferguson has come to the aid of the Chelsea manager, Avram Grant, by insisting that despite recent criticism, the Stamford Bridge club are still capable of completing the Premier League and Champions League double this season.

The Manchester United manager explained that, although Chelsea currently trail Arsenal by nine points, the gap “is not insurmountable by any manner because in this Premier League points can be dropped. The fact that they have got us and Arsenal at home and their home record is so good, you would have to think that they have still got a good chance”.

Ferguson remains convinced, however, that Chelsea’s main aim is Champions League success. “They have got the easiest draw of the English teams,” he added, “and have got the best chance of qualifying out of the [four of us] given the opponents they are up against.”