Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect the Barclays Premier League title race to take shape until after the next international break.
Ferguson's Manchester United side head to Chelsea on Sunday knowing their first victory at Stamford Bridge since 2002 will allow them to jump back to the top of the table.
"The Premier League does not settle until all the internationals are over," he said. "Once we get over this next bout of internationals we will probably see a truer league."
A win on Sunday would put them in prime position for the resumption of domestic hostilities on November 21, after which, FA Cup weekends apart, battle will take place on a regular basis until a conclusion is reached on May 9.
Nevertheless, defeat would leave United five points adrift of Carlo Ancelotti's men and playing the old game of catch-up, which they used to be so good at, only to come unstuck when Jose Mourinho mastered the art of maintaining momentum after a flying start.
The continued absence of Rio Ferdinand is causing a concern, although Nemanja Vidic's return after a minor calf strain does provide United with their own forceful presence with which to try and quell Didier Drogba.
Not that the task has proved easy in recent times.
Once one of United's favoured grounds, Stamford Bridge has turned into a bit of a hellhole in recent years.
"There is no point looking back six years ago," Ferguson added. "It is better just to look at the present team and what they are capable of. We are capable of winning the game, there is no doubt about that.
"It is a strange situation because we used to have a terrific record down there up until a few years ago. But we have let it slip and we have to get our act together."
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"Title race still open - Fergie"
just like his big gob, either to put in more chewy or to abuse the officials !
bacon face da da da bacon face ?? yep got the ring of truth
What a stupid headline!?!? Of course it's still open after 10 games and SAF doesn't say this anyway.
Lose to Burnley, Liverpool and next chelsea???????????????????????????????????????
What a surprise.. michael comment 6 is on a united page again talking about ferguson.
yes, would never want them take 19th.
Fergie knows they will be 5points adrift by sunday evening so that is why he is saying it is open.Yeah we know that and if it is destined that the Mighty Reds will not title it this year,we will do whatever so that either Chelsea of Arsenal do it.NEVER the ManU should do it.
Alan... wow... bacon face huh? My goodness, the poets past and present must be quaking in their boots, nay turning in their graves. Just what, exactly, is a bacon face?
I can only imagine that your favourite TV programs are Star Trek and The Sky at Night - which you probaly think are current affairs programs.
Get a life dude! If you are going to be creative... at least be creative.
Let's have another one from you...
A hint - the kop rhymes with lamb chop...
I just can't wait for the next instalment... what do you have in mind, i wonder?
Bernitez and Fajitas? Classic.
0-0 please! ty!
Title race is still open for everyone, even Hull, but not for Liverpool..
A song for Sir Alex to the tune of "Baby Face"
Bacon face, you've got that stupid little bacon face,
You'll put that referee, in his place, bacon face,
Boy you just started something, your Man U boys will get a thumping,
Bacon face, we're all in heaven when we see Rio's no pace,
Arsene's got wonder kids, Ronaldo's at Madrid,

So shut that silly bacon fay-yay-yace!
A song for Sir Alex to the tune of "Baby Face"
Bacon face, you've got that stupid little bacon face,

You'll put that referee, in his place, bacon face,

Boy you just started something, your Man U boys will get a thumping,
Bacon face, we're all in heaven when we see Rio's no pace,

Arsene's got wonder kids, Ronaldo's at Madrid 

So shut that silly bacon fay-yay-yace!
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