IS THERE A MATCH TONIGHT?

“We’ve all got a problem because Chelsea’s consistency makes it difficult to win the league.

“If you look at our present points total it is better than four of the last six seasons. Most of the teams below Chelsea would think that they are doing quite well. That’s a problem for all of the teams, not just Manchester United.

“I thought that, for an hour on Sunday, we played some excellent football and created a lot of chances. In another game Wayne Rooney could have had four goals, and I also thought we should have had a penalty kick.

“I think the problem was that we gave possession away in the middle of the park in the second half. Everton would counter-attack and from that moment on there was an anxiety and an urgency to try and get a winning goal. We ended up playing far too many long balls, which doesn’t suit the way we normally play.

“But if we continue to play our football and enjoy that part of our game then it will come right for us.”

On tonight:

“I think what we are going to face is their fantastic work ethic. That is what I have seen from the games I’ve watched.

“They are a bit of a fairytale and I think they’ve enjoyed that part. They’ve surprised a few people. They’ve been absolutely fantastic this season for their players, their staff, Dave Whelan and especially for their fans. They probably can’t believe it.”

Paul Jewell:

“The stick is laughable. He has been the best manager this country has had in 20 years. He has won every trophy including the European Cup. People have short memories but that is what managers have to live with.

“His record is second to none and probably will be for 100 years. United have had a difficult time but they are still a side that you have to respect.

"They have world class players and arguably the best player in the country in Wayne Rooney. It would be naive and dangerous to think they have gone past their best. We will go there with total respect.

"Having said that, we are going there trying to win the game and are not scared. We have 25 points in the bag and anything we get here is going to be a bonus.

"At the start of the season we looked at places where we could get points and this game went down as a bonus point for us.”

Meanwhile, Fergie is facing an investigation by the Football Association following remarks he made about referee Rob Styles after United's 1-1 draw with Everton on Sunday.