Since Dutchman Hiddink came in as temporary manager Chelsea have won three successive matches and are playing with the sort of zest which might yet prove a threat to United.

Chelsea have beaten Villa away and Wigan at home in the league and defeated Juventus in the Champions' League.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.79%

AAP 42.62%

INC 24.59%

Submit

View All In Poll

Lampard's late winner, controversial in the eyes of Wigan boss Steve Bruce, could not have been more vital.

"United have got a big gap but it is nice mentally to be back in second position and you never know what is going to happen," said Lampard.

"All you can do is win your games, deal with yourselves and see what happens.

"Guus has made a huge difference to the team. He has made a massive impression in a short time.

"The main difference is that he has made life simpler, saying the right things and getting us to work hard on the training ground.

"Tactically he has worked hard to get us better organised but I think as much is down to the players.

"We must take responsibility. It is just such a shame that we have allowed a gap to open up at the top.

"It is Guus's decision what he does in the summer when his agreement with us is up so let us hope the next three or four months go well and we can persuade him to stay."

Hiddink may recall Jo Bosingwa in place of Michael Mancienne after completing a ban but Mancienne - one of the very few to break into the first team having come through the Chelsea youth system - made a solid debut against Wigan.

u00a0