Wading in to the war

Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, has hit back at title rival Avram Grant as the race for the Premier League erupted into a war of words.

On the eve of the season's penultimate weekend, Grant said it was "wrong" of Alan Curbishley, whose West Ham side visit Old Trafford today, to suggest he wanted Ferguson to win the league – prompting the United boss to snap that his Chelsea counterpart "should know better."

Ferguson, speaking at his pre-match press conference said he had been disappointed to learn about Grant's comments.

"I don't know why he has suggested that there might be something untoward," said the United manager. "He should know better."

Ferguson insisted that his side, who booked their place in the Champions League final on Tuesday, could not take West Ham for granted, particularly as the London club have won the last three league meetings with United.

"We have got a better goal difference [than Chelsea] and if we both win our last two games then I'll be very happy," he said. "We have got to be in the driving seat."

If United win today they will open a three-point lead as Chelsea play away at Newcastle later this week.

"They have certainly got a physical advantage given that they aren't playing until Monday," added Ferguson.

"However Newcastle isn't an easy place to go. But we're just concentrating on our own game."

Wayne Rooney could return after missing the Barcelona match.

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