Title battle erupts into war of words: Chelsea boss Grant hits back after United's Sir Alex slams partying Bolton players

Ferguson has said Bolton will not provide Chelsea with tough opposition on Sunday because the "players have been out celebrating all week" having virtually guaranteed their Premier League survival for another year. Manchester United, who travel to Wigan, need to at least match Chelsea's result to be crowned champions and Grant feels Ferguson is resorting to his old tricks in an attempt to fire up Gary Megson's side.

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He said: "We know Sir Alex, I like him and respect him but we know why he says things sometimes. I don't think he knows what's going on at Bolton unless he wants to be the manager there.

"I think no team in England will approach a game thinking it's not important and Bolton will try to give their best."

However, Ferguson claims Bolton, despite there being no apparent evidence of misbehaviour, have taken their eye off the ball this week. "People have been questioning the integrity of Wigan [who are also safe] and nobody has questioned or even mentioned Bolton," said the United manager.

"It's interesting, the different attitudes, because you've got Wigan players saying they want to beat Man United and I have no problem about that, we're a big club.

"Then you hear about Bolton players out celebrating all week and it amazes me, that change in attitude. Both teams are safe, both teams are relaxed, both teams are comfortable but one can celebrate and the other is all keyed up to play against Manchester United.

"The only thing that gives me confidence about Bolton is the manager and the assistant manager. I had Archie Knox for a number of years at Aberdeen and at United. He and Gary Megson won't enjoy hearing about their players being out celebrating when there's an important game to play.

"I'm confident in these two guys - taking their team down to Chelsea."

United have been favourites to win the title for months and Ferguson has labelled his current squad as the best set of players he has ever coached.

But Grant believes Chelsea are playing the best football in the country right now and feels they can cement their own place in history.

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He added: "Sir Alex thinks this is his best side but we will wait until after Sunday and 21 May when we play Manchester United in the Champions League Final. At the moment we're very good but it could be even better.

"For the past month we have been playing the best football in the country. There is no doubt about this and we have done it against really big teams. We have given Manchester United a real battle. If they take the title on goal difference they know that we have given them a real fight.

"If we finish second it'll still be a great achievement because it's the most competitive league in Europe.

"The players have shown good character, good quality and the ability to recover from bad moments. They players have done a good job.

"I'm not surprised we haven't given in. Nobody believed or expected us to be at this stage."

Grant is also confident that Wigan, who are unbeaten in their last seven home games, can do his side a favour by taking points off Manchester United.

He said: "Wigan haven't lost since January at home and gave us a very tough game when they drew against us recently.

"They know they're in the spotlight and everyone around the world will be watching them. I know they will do their best.

"We have to beat Bolton and we will only look at the result at Wigan after that."