United cling on to hope as Chelsea begin title countdown

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2005

LONDON (AFP) — It is indicative of how radically Chelsea have transformed the English football landscape this season that Manchester United have been reduced to relying on a favour from Manchester City.

Sir Alex Ferguson and his squad continue to insist that all is not lost in their bid to chip away at Chelsea's commanding lead at the top of the Premiership.

But even the most red-eyed of optimists would accept that what little hope remains will disappear if Jose Mourinho's men are not tripped up soon.

Which is where City, visitors to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, come into the picture.

Kevin Keegan's side have the distinction of being the only English side to have beaten Chelsea since Mourinho took charge in the summer.

But results since that...