Just days ago, first team coach Rene Meulensteen claimed that United weren’t scared of anyone this season and reckoned Chelsea were too old.

“Chelsea have just made one major signing in Juan Mata,” he said. “Besides, Chelsea’s squad is too old, and their tempo is not high enough to win the Premier League.”

This is in contrast to Fergie, who looks at their age as experience.

“They have tremendous experience – there aren’t any young kids in that team,” he said. “We wouldn’t be saying they are dead and buried would we? Why should they be? They’ll still be a big threat and we expect them to challenge.”

Lest we forget that it was Meulensteen who claimed Maarten Stekelenburg was the goalie we wanted, after a deal with David de Gea had already been agreed.

“Stekelenburg is indeed the goalkeeper who is at the top of our wanted list,” he said earlier this year. Hmm. Must try harder, Rene.