Chelsea's preparations for their vital Premier League clash against Manchester United were interrupted by a hotel fire alarm early this morning.

The Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, his backroom staff, players and other hotel guests were all evacuated from their Manchester hotel when the alarm was raised at 7am.

The entire Chelsea squad was kept outside while the local fire brigade made certain the hotel was safe.

Fire officers searched the hotel floors to ensure it was safe to return and the Chelsea players spent around 50 minutes outside and in the lobby before being allowed to go back to their rooms.

Chelsea face United at Old Trafford this afternoon knowing a victory will leave them just one point behind the leaders Liverpool at the top of the table.