Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed Chelsea's sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari has ruled them out of the title race.

The Brazilian was dismissed last week with Chelsea seven points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United, who play their game in hand against Fulham tonight.

Guus Hiddink, who has been installed as manager for the rest of the season, insists their title challenge is not over.

However, United boss Ferguson is confident the upheaval at Stamford Bridge has ended any hope the Blues might have had of being crowned champions.

“I think they have played into our hands and that the title race now is going to be between ourselves and Liverpool,” said Ferguson.

“However, I shall be keeping a wary eye on Aston Villa, who seem to have picked up the baton from Arsenal. I was shocked that Chelsea should part so soon with a manager of such great experience and proven success as Phil Scolari.

“Their haste is a reflection of the sad way the game is going, with everyone from owners, the board members, the supporters and the media demanding instant success and showing absolutely no patience in the pursuit of their ambition.”

Aiming for an 11th league title, Ferguson's own longevity provides ample proof of what can be achieved with a stable backdrop.

At Arsenal, Arsene Wenger has also enjoyed plenty of success, while Everton are now established as a top-six club under David Moyes. In contrast, Chelsea have gone through four managers since they last won the title, less than three years ago, with Jose Mourinho's departure followed by that of Avram Grant and Scolari.

“I would have thought it self-evident that winning prizes comes with stability and long-term planning,” said Ferguson.

“Yet so often, when a club is faced with a few problems, wisdom flies out of the window in the hope that a new man can bring about a quick fix. Chelsea have called in a very experienced manager in Guus Hiddink and I am sure he will make an impact.

“At the same time, he has to start from scratch, perhaps putting together his own staff and gathering round him players of his choice which may take him some time.”

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Adebayor insists he does not care if he fails to score again this season as long as Arsenal win something.

The Gunners have not lifted a trophy since they beat United in the 2005 FA Cup Final and with the title apparently out of sight, they have designs on both the FA Cup and the Champions League.

Adebayor hit 30 goals last season and although he has only managed 12 this term he is focusing on team rather than individual glory.

“I don't care if I stop on 12 goals if we win something with the club,” said the striker. “To win trophies is more important than scoring goals. This club needs trophies and that's what we are fighting for.”