Sir Alex Ferguson has mischievously warned Chelsea that it won't be easy for them to win at Newcastle on Monday and maintain their title hopes.


Speaking in the aftermath of United moving three points clear at the top of the table after a 4-1 win over West Ham, Ferguson declared: "The way Chelsea have been talking, they obviously think it is going to be easy. But I know Newcastle will do their jobs honestly, as West Ham did against us."


There is in fact no evidence of anyone at Chelsea talking up their encounter at St James' Park as easy. Ferguson's remarks could thus be interpreted as a tit-for-tat response to Avram Grant denouncing Hammers boss Alan Curbishley for revealing that he would "raise a glass" to United winning the title.


Such ploys are nothing new and the irony of Ferguson prophesising that Newcastle, now managed by Kevin Keegan "will do their jobs honestly" is that he famously enraged the former England manager in 1996 by suggesting that the players of Leeds United were showing "less than a do-or-die commitment" ahead of their meeting with United's title challengers. Less than a week later, Keegan launched his "I would love it" tirade live on television after Newcastle's win at Elland Road.


Ten years on, it is Ferguson seeking a favour from Keegan and apparently determined to motivate the Newcastle players by fostering the impression that Chelsea have disrespected them. Yet Grant's belief that United are enjoying preferential treatment will only be enhanced by the admission of Toon midfielder Nicky Butt that he wants to help United win the title over Chelsea.


"The fact that Manchester United are going for the double makes this an even bigger game for me personally," the former Fergie fledgling confirmed. "I was a long time at Old Trafford and I've got a lot of friends there still. Obviously, first and foremost we want to do well for ourselves and finish the season on the right note but the added bonus for me is that I can help my friends out as well."