Lampard warns Chelsea over Man Utd transfer duo Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo

Frank Lampard has stated that Manchester United’s transfer acquisitions in January could be the boost they need this season.

Both Chelsea and the Red Devils are locked in a tense Premier League battle for fourth.

The Blues managed a resounding 4-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon to consolidate the top four position.

But United hit back not long after by beating Premier League champions Manchester City at Old Trafford.

It puts Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side three points behind the west London outfit with a superior goal difference.

United have been in fine form, going 10 unbeaten in all competitions – which has coincided with the signings of Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo.

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And Lampard reckons the added boost of those arrivals could be pivotal in the race for top four.

When asked about United, he said: “Their impactful acquisitions in January have given them a nice spring in their step. They are going to challenge.

"It looks a small cushion as I sit here now but I don't feel that way. We have to get ourselves right and fight to the end.

"It’s in our hands. When I said underdogs I was looking at the big scene.

“With a lot of games to play and a lot points to fight for, I’m not going to say we’re favourites. There’s a lot of work to be done.”

Chelsea had been on a dreary run of one win in six in the Premier League but there is hope that the Blues have turned a corner.

However, Lampard was keen to stress that they are not out of the woods yet.

He added: “The last two performances would look like [a second wind], but I’m experienced enough to know we go to Aston Villa away, a team who are fighting for their lives have got good players, so we have to replicate what we showed today and every week.

“Yes we had a good early patch this season. Then we’ve had inconsistencies recently.

“But we had to work [on Saturday] to show we can finish the season with strength and get better.”

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