London: Avram Grant believes Manchester United could be about to crack as Chelsea look to maintain their relentless pursuit of the Premier League leaders.

With his side preparing to visit Newcastle on Monday it was fitting that Grant should evoke the English league's most famous meltdown as he contemplated the possibility of the Blues profitting from a United collapse similar to the one that denied Kevin Keegan's club the title in 1996.

Newcastle topped the league by 12 points at one stage then before surrendering the lead under pressure from United. It was too much for Keegan, whose "I'd love it if we beat them" rant on live television revealed the full extent of his team's implosion.

Chelsea were eight points behind the leaders at one stage this year but have reeled off a 19-match unbeaten run to get back in the race in exactly the same way United came from behind 12 years ago.

Beating United last weekend allowed Grant's team to move level on points at the top and left the reigning champions spluttering towards the finish line.

They had won only one of their last four league matches and Ferguson was so furious that he didn't even speak to Chelsea's manager after the match.

United can still win the title with victories in their last two matches and their midweek success against Barcelona may provide a perfectly-timed boost but Grant is confident there will be one last twist in the tale.

"United fought all the time with Arsenal this season and, when they beat them off, they must of thought everything was ok. Now Chelsea have come up and we're almost in the same position. It's a pressure. It's not easy."

Grant has managed to keep his cool in the heat of the title race and that serenity has spread to the dressing room. The Israeli insists his players are thriving on the challenge of catching United.

"The pressure at big clubs is there all the time but it's a good presure. We like the challenge to chase," he said.

"It's not easy because if you lose points, you're out. I've done it in Israel. We were champions having been eight points behind once." 

Chelsea meet Newcastle 48 hours after United host West Ham, so by the time they kick off will the London club will know whether they need a positive result to go top or simply to remain in the race.

If Chelsea lose out to United for the league they have an instant chance for revenge when they face Ferguson's side in the Champions League final on May 21.

Grant admits he is proud of his team's achievements so far but he knows they have only fuelled a desire for more success.

"The first ambition was to be in the final of the Champions League, especailly in Moscow which means so much for the owner. We did that. With more food, you have more appetite."

Source : PTI