Chelseas coach Luiz Felipe Scolari (R) embraces Manchester Uniteds Alex Ferguson before their English Premier League soccer match at Stamford Bridge in London September 21, 2008. -Reuters

LONDON Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Chelsea have effectively ruled themselves out of the Premier League title race after sacking Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Scolari was axed last week after Chelsea fell seven points behind leaders United and his replacement Guus Hiddink has made it clear he still thinks the Blues can catch Fergusons team.

But the Scot is convinced that Chelsea made a rash move to get rid of former World Cup winner Scolari and he feels the main threat to his side will now come from Liverpool.

`I think they have played into our hands and that the title race now is going to be between ourselves and Liverpool,` Ferguson told United Review.

`However, I shall be keeping a wary eye on Aston Villa, who seem to have picked up the baton from Arsenal.

`I was shocked that Chelsea should part so soon with a manager of such great experience and proven success as Phil Scolari.

`Their haste is a reflection of the sad way the game is going, with everyone from owners, the board members, the supporters and the media demanding instant success and showing absolutely no patience in the pursuit of their ambition.`