Fergie’s school of hard Knox

sir alex’s old protege can do him a big favour in english title climax

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PLAYING IT FOR LAUGHS: Sir Alex Ferguson in relaxed mood yesterday

Sir Alex Ferguson is relying on the competitive instincts of Archie Knox to inadvertently aid Manchester United’s title dream on the English Premiership’s final day of the season tomorrow.

United will secure a 10th Premiership crown under Ferguson if they beat Wigan at the JJB Stadium.

But even if the Red Devils draw, they could still win the title should Bolton get a draw at Chelsea. Chelsea start the final day level on points with Ferguson’s team but well behind on goal difference.

Knox is the Bolton assistant and is determined to have his players fired up for their visit to Stamford Bridge.

While Ferguson maintains he is interested solely in his own team’s performance and result, he has been irritated at reports that the Bolton squad have begun their post-season break early, celebrating survival achieved by beating Sunderland last weekend.

Noting that Wigan have not lost their focus despite securing top-flight status themselves last weekend, Ferguson made his own attempt to wind up the Bolton players – and he is confident that Knox will have them ready for battle.

He said: “I worked with Archie Knox for many years at Aberdeen and at United and, in a way, I wish he was playing.

“He will not enjoy hearing that his players have been out celebrating and neither will Bolton manager Gary Megson because this is an important game.

“All week, people have questioned the integrity of Wigan. No one has even mentioned Bolton.

“Both teams are safe, relaxed and confident. But one can celebrate and the other is all keyed up to play against Manchester United. That difference in attitude amazes me.”

Sir Alex accepts that United should neither look for, nor require, any assistance from outside sources.

With up to 20,000 supporters expected to make the short trip up the M61, Wigan is likely to find itself engulfed by United fans buoyed by recent wins over Barcelona and West Ham and expecting another memorable domestic campaign to end in glory.

Sir Alex added: “I said at the start of the season it might go to the wire.

“I am sorry I said that now but we are in the right position. If we win, we have won the league. That is a great incentive for us.”