Fergie win could spell end for Jose

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But sources close to owner Roman Abramovich believe Mourinho may still be sacked if Sir Alex Ferguson's Doublechasing Manchester United win at the new Wembley Stadium against a Chelsea side who will have Ashley Cole on the bench.

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Managerial maestros: Ferguson and Mourinho

The relationship between Abramovich and Mourinho has been fractured since a major fall-out over coaching staff and new players in January.

It has broken down to such a degree that Abramovich has failed to attend a number of matches, including the second leg of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final at Liverpool.

If the season ends with only the Carling Cup to show for his considerable investment, Abramovich may see it as time to sever ties with a man with whom he now rarely communicates.

It adds up to an intriguing battle for Mourinho as he takes on Sir Alex at the £750million stadium before a worldwide TV audience expected to reach one billion across 160 countries.

Last month Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon attempted to end speculation about Mourinho's future, saying: "Jose has a contract to 2010 and wants to stay. We're not going to sack him. That's the situation."

Club officials claimed the statement was "definitive" and sources close to a "very happy" Mourinho also considered the matter closed.

That, however, was in April and was seen by some as an attempt to to give Mourinho the best chance of an unprecedented Quadruple. But Chelsea lost the title to United and their Champions League semi-final, too.

Fergie, reflecting on Chelsea's Premiership failure, said: "I'm acutely aware that on the one side, in Chelsea, you have a wounded animal and on the other you have a team full of confidence.

"I just have to make sure there's no distinction between the teams in terms of the desire to win." Ashley Cole, despite recent ankle trouble, is considered fit enough for the Chelsea bench, with Wayne Bridge starting.