Jose, you can kiss your title goodbye

The race is not yet over but United's lead, after they beat Everton 4-2 at Goodison, is five points with just three matches to play, one of them a trip to Chelsea on May 9.

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Chelsea had led 2-1, at a time when news filtered through that United were trailing 2-0, but a headed equaliser by Kevin Davies gave Allardyce the chance to earn Ferguson's thanks.

"He'll be getting a hug and a kiss, maybe two kisses," said United's manager. "The momentum is with us but I know what football can bring."

Jose Mourinho's hopes of achieving a hat-trick of titles — and an unprecedented four trophies in one season — are receding fast.

Ferguson's team could even clinch the title next weekend if they win at Manchester City on Saturday and Chelsea fail to win at Arsenal the following day.

The Chelsea manager's grim expression at the final whistle spoke volumes. Mourinho admitted: "It is almost lost. Almost. Mathematically there is a chance,and when the chance is there, we have to believe and chase the opportunity."

Mourinho is grateful to focus on Tuesday's Champions League trip to Liverpool, although he ruled out injured Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Ballack.

"I feel sad but I have a big game on Tuesday night and that's a good thing in this situation," he said. "We have no time to be sad."