Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has criticised the Premier League and the English FA for a fixture clash which robbed them of the chance to pile the pressure on new champions Manchester United.

Mourinho's side lost their title crown following their 1-1 draw with Arsenal and play United tonight in a rearranged fixture.

The two clubs should have played the game on April 18th when Chelsea would have had the chance to cut United's deficit at the top but because both teams reached the last four of the FA Cup, the game was switched to the last week of the season.

That decision still upsets the Blues coach, who will rest a number of his stars against United tonight.

Mourinho wrote in his pre-match programme notes: "Congratulations to Manchester United on winning a great Premiership race.

"This game, however, should have been played on April 18th when the title race was open and the distance was three points.

"To have Chelsea-Manchester United in the fixtures on the day of a possible FA Cup semi-final was not a great decision.

"They can't complain at the fact I'm giving some heroes a rest, and at the fact that I give youngsters a chance to smell the Premiership and a chance to show they have a future at Stamford Bridge."

Captain John Terry insisted Chelsea will do all they can to reclaim their title next season.

He added: "With our injuries and other problems this season we've done really well, given a good account of ourselves.

"But we must give no excuses. United have won and we have to congratulate them.

"The Premiership means so much to us. It's been the foundation of our work here over the last three years and not to have it now doesn't feel right. So next season we will come back stronger.

"Second position doesn't feel good. We will be stronger and even more determined to win it back next season."

Chelsea will give the newly crowned champions a guard of honour at Stamford Bridge.