Sir Alex Ferguson will take great comfort in United’s five-point lead after a potentially decisive weekend in the title race, but he remains alert to the threat posed the Reds’ now closest challeners Chelsea.

Avram Grant’s men leapfrogged Arsenal with a 2-1 win over the Gunners on Sunday, hours after United defeated Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford.The Reds go to Stamford Bridge on 26 April, which Sir Alex feels will be crucial. “I think Chelsea hold the key,” he said, “especially as we go to their place where they’ve got a formidable record.”We’ve established a good lead but we’re not taking anything for granted, we have to carry on playing the way we have been.

I’ve said all along, the team who shows real consistency between now and the end of the season will win the league.”The dominant performance against Liverpool has given the United boss plenty of confidence and belief going into the final seven league games of the season.”We’ve developed this season and I think you saw that maturity reach its peak in our win over Liverpool,” he said.

“We’ve retained last season’s consistency, we’re challenging for the league and we’re in the quarter-finals of Europe.”