ALEX Ferguson, astonishingly, said he did not realise that Manchester United's draw at Ewood last night had condemned Blackburn Rovers and his former assistant Brian Kidd to relegation.

Either Fergie was playing his 'mind games' again and taking the Micky, or he truly is so single-minded he was only concerned about the title race.

For he even forgot which day the Premiership teams are playing this weekend. Questioned about Sunday's final showdown with Spurs immediately after the draw that gives his team a one-point advantage in the title race the United boss said: "I don't think it matters who you are playing at this stage of the season as it proved tonight.

"Teams are trying their hardest.

"Blackburn were playing for a point to escape relegation and that gives them a lifeline to stay in the League."

Then asked if there was any sympathy for Kidd who is now facing life in the First Division, Ferguson added: "I think a lot of the lads feel for him, but he's got a chance on Saturday hasn't he?

"They're down? They needed a win tonight?

"I thought they needed a point."

So does Kidd's former mentor believe his 'pupil' can find success in his own right as a manager? "I think management today is a very difficult job to be honest with you," said Ferguson.

"The expectation level today is very high and maybe it's the best thing, who knows, to start afresh and build his own team.

"Only time will tell now."

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