Vialli backs United to pip Blues
Mourinho's side trail United by three points
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Monday, 27, Nov 2006 08:19
Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli has sensationally tipped Manchester United to win the Premiership title.
The former Blues manager believes Jose Mourinho's side are focused on winning the Champions League despite their 1-1 draw with United yesterday.
Vialli, who scored 21 league goals in 42 games between 1996 and 2000 at Stamford Bridge, said Alex Ferguson's team look the better side.
"I think United are going to be slightly too strong. They look really determined to win it," Vialli told the BBC.
"Probably the distraction of wanting to win the Champions League will be too much for Chelsea to compete with Manchester United."
The Italian striker, 42, added that both sides deserved a point from yesterday's titanic clash.
"I think a draw was a fair result," Vialli said.
"Manchester United were better than Chelsea in the first half and Chelsea came back strong in the second half.
"I think everyone will be happy with the result. Chelsea are still in contention and Manchester United are still top so both managers will be very happy with what they saw on the pitch."
The former Watford boss believes United will lift the Premiership crown while Chelsea will triumph in the European Cup.
He added: "I think both clubs, both managers and their players would settle for this.
"Chelsea have a squad big enough with so many quality players that Jose Mourinho can rotate the team depending on whether they are playing in the Premiership or Europe, the opposition or the physical condition of his players and their squad is big enough to try to win both competitions.
"But the competition in the Premiership is stronger. Manchester United are firmly determined to win the title after a few years and Chelsea are more focused on being the best in Europe."
Chelsea are back in action on Wednesday against Bolton at the Reebok stadium while United face Everton at Old Trafford.