SOCCER/Manchester Utd V West Ham Utd: ALEX FERGUSON has suggested the Chelsea manager, Avram Grant, is resorting to desperate measures in an effort to influence the outcome of the Premier League title race following his criticisms of the West Ham manager, Alan Curbishley.

Curbishley, whose West Ham team face United at Old Trafford today, claimed this week it would be an "injustice" if Chelsea were to deny United a 10th Premier League crown this season.

Grant responded to Curbishley's comments by saying it was "not a good idea" to make such remarks ahead of a trip to Old Trafford that could have a key bearing on the race. Last week Grant suggested Ferguson's team were cracking under the pressure.

Such barbs from Chelsea were commonplace under Jose Mourinho, but Ferguson has dismissed Grant's attempts to play mind games as United attempt to move to within one victory of the title by winning this lunchtime.

Ferguson said: "I think that Chelsea are prepared to try anything, so let them get on with it. I didn't read what was said, but I was told about it. I don't know why he (Grant) is suggesting there is going to be anything untoward. Chelsea should know better than anyone about these situations.

"I've got a team that can answer any questions, though, and we do ourselves our own favours by winning our games, irrespective of what happens elsewhere.

"But no matter what happens against West Ham today, Chelsea go to Newcastle on Monday and that is not an easy place to go because they are on the march now."

Having twice thwarted United's title ambitions, with an Upton Park victory in 1992 and a final-day draw against Ferguson's men in 1995, West Ham arrive at Old Trafford with history, if not form, on their side. Indeed, they face United with the rare possibility of a fourth successive league win against the champions.

"It's our job to make sure history doesn't repeat itself against West Ham," said Ferguson. "We've got the players and the support, so everything is there for us to win."

Chelsea's manager received support yesterday from Kevin Keegan, who recalled that when he was the manager of Manchester City Grant flew from Tel Aviv to spend a day shadowing the former England coach. On Monday the pair will be reunited at St James's Park as the managers of Newcastle United and Chelsea but Grant can be assured of a warm welcome.

"Avram came to Manchester City when he was with Israel and spent a day at the training ground," recalled Keegan. "I liked him. He is not a guy who comes in and struts around the place, he is not John Wayne but he knows football and has done a great job at Chelsea - which is what he should be judged on."

Keegan fears Grant is not being assessed fairly and may be forever destined to attract harsh comparisons with his more flashy predecessor at Stamford Bridge.

"Chelsea did not have a particularly good start and didn't get many points in their first few games (under Mourinho) but, since taking over, Avram Grant has had a great run of results," said Keegan. "I think if they had given him the chance to start the season in charge Chelsea would be champions now."

Two Horse Race

PWDLFAPt

Manchester Utd 36 25 6 5 74 21 81

Chelsea 36 24 9 3 62 25 81

Today - Manchester Utd v West Ham 12.45.

Monday - Newcastle United v Chelsea, 4.00.

Sunday (May 11th) - Chelsea v Bolton, Wigan Athletic v Manchester Utd (3.00).