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Allardyce hails 'scary' Man Utd

Sam Allardyce has been hugely impressed by Manchester United this season © Getty Images

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Sam Allardyce has hailed Premier League champions-elect Manchester United, saying they are "as good as they have ever been".

Allardyce's West Ham side host United on Wednesday, with Sir Alex Ferguson's team 15 points clear of nearest challengers Manchester City.

And the Hammers boss said it was "scary" to think what United's potential title-winning margin could be after their dominance of the league this season.

"I think you have to say the United team is as good as it has ever been, because nobody normally wins the title so easily and by so big a margin, or has this much of a margin at this stage of the season,'' he said.

"It is pretty scary what total they might actually finish with. They have been outstanding, and their squad rotation has been Sir Alex's masterpiece, as usual - about playing the right team at the right time."

Allardyce said United's earlier than anticipated exits from domestic and European cup competitions had only helped their campaign to wrestle the title back from City.

"They have not had the normal focus on three or four competitions almost to the end - the focus has come on the Premier League, and they have just breezed it," he added. "Everyone else can't get near them.''

West Ham were within moments of consigning United to a third-round FA Cup exit at Upton Park this season, and have often proven to be tough opponents for United at their East London home.

"We will need to be on our best form, as always, if we are to get anything,'' Allardyce said.

"But we have run them close three times this season. I would say we are still another couple of points off being absolutely safe. Hopefully we can win a couple of matches and see where we go."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.