United boss Fergie accuses Bolton stars of undermining title race with too much partying before their clash with Chelsea

13 April 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson has attempted to fire Bolton up ahead of their trip to Chelsea by claiming the Wanderers players have spent the week celebrating avoiding relegation.

United travel to Wigan on Sunday knowing that a win at the JJB Stadium will be enough to hold off Chelsea due to their vastly superior goal difference.

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Shouting the odds: Sir Alex Ferguson has slammed the attitude of Bolton players

The week has been dominated by claims that Steve Bruce's team, who have also secured their Premier League status, will take it easy.

But Fergie hit back with his own brand of psychological warfare. He claimed, despite there being no apparent evidence of misbehaviour, that Bolton have taken their eye off the ball.

"People have questioned Wigan's integrity but when you look at it, the different attitudes are quite interesting.

"The Wigan players are coming out and saying, 'We want to beat Manchester United'. That is fine, we are a big club.

"But both teams are safe, relaxed and confident. Yet one can celebrate and the other is all keyed up to play against Manchester United."

If Bolton were to win at the Bridge, Manchester United would be Premier League champions, no matter what the outcome of their trip to Wigan.

Yet Ferguson has been staggered at talk of a party atmosphere developing at Bolton this week after the Trotters secured Premier League survival by beating Sunderland.

The Red Devils chief observed Wigan secure their place in the top flight by overcoming Aston Villa on the same day.

Yet, with Steve Bruce's men having vowed to do all in their power to overcome Ferguson's team, it is suggested Bolton will turn up to play and do little else against Chelsea.

But Ferguson worked with Bolton assistant Archie Knox long enough at Aberdeen and United to know the Scot, and his manager Gary Megson, will have been irritated by talk of his players having been out so often this week.

"The only thing that gives me confidence about Bolton is the manager and assistant manager.

"I worked with Archie Knox for many years at Aberdeen and United. I wish he was playing because he will not enjoy having his players out celebrating and neither will Gary Megson.

"It is an important game. I am confident in these two guys taking their team to Chelsea."

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