Warnock banks on Sir Alex playing his strongest hand

After correctly assessing that his side were horribly second-best against Martin O'Neill's improved Villa, the Sheffield United chief was quizzed about the much-changed team fielded by Liverpool at Craven Cottage.

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Fulham's subsequent win gave them vital survival points, lifting them above his side in the table.

Benitez and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson may have far more pressing prize-winning issues to consider during the next couple of weeks. But, as they play Charlton and West Ham respectively on the final day of the season next Sunday, the duo will still have a big say in who waves goodbye to the top flight.

By making nine changes, Benitez laid himself open to a charge of playing a weakened team although, as Alan Hansen pointed out on Match of the Day, his responsibility is to Liverpool alone. That cut little ice with Warnock, who was nevertheless too wily to be caught out directly at the final whistle.

He said he had no doubt that Ferguson would be putting out his full-strength team, irrespective of Premiership titles or an impending FA Cup Final.

"I had a feeling Liverpool would do that," Warnock said. "But if I said what I really thought, I'd be reprimanded. Who is to say now who will survive? It could be down to Liverpool again and Manchester United. You can hope, but no one's given us anything this season, so why should it be any different next week?

"At least I know Sir Alex will play a strong side in the last game. He's got his pride. He'll not disappoint. But it's up to us. I'm proud of my lads. They have performed miracles."

However, Unitedwere ripped to shreds by Villa. Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen did not have a save to make. In contrast, at the opposite end Paddy Kenny had little protection as Gabriel Agbonlahor got away from Matthew Kilgallon to give Villa a 24th-minute lead and Ashley Young tricked the defence to add a second before half-time. Patrik Berger combined cleverly with striker John Carew to score the third with half an hour remaining.

Villa were undoubtedly helped by the atmosphere generated beforehand. Owner Randy Lerner left 40,000 scarves on the seats and the European Cup-winning team of 1982 were paraded before a sell-out crowd.

Villa boss O'Neill said: That was as good as we have played. To win that well at home in front of a full house, with the team of '82 in attendance, it was almost the perfect afternoon.

"I told them beforehand that they should be inspired. We are going to try hard to live up to their legacy."