Festive fixtures key to Manchester United's title challenge - Sir Alex Ferguson

The Red Devils' boss believes his side can win the Premier League if they are top of the league at the start of 2013, but he admits he is expecting stiff competition

 

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Sir Alex Ferguson insists festive fixtures could be the key to making or breaking Manchester United's Premier League title charge.
United currently lead rivals Manchester City by six points, but face a gruelling run of four games in 10 days against Swansea, Newcastle, West Brom and Wigan between December 23 and January 1.

And Sir Alex believes that if his side can still be top of the pile on New Year's Day, they stand a very good chance of claiming a record 20th league title.
"I look at December as an opportunity to gather points," the Scot told reporters.
"If we are top of the league on New Year's Day we know fine well, and so does everyone else, that we are going to be in the ball park at the end of the season.
"But we expect a challenge. It is what we are good at."
United will be boosted by the imminent return of club captain Nemanja Vidic, who has spent the best part of a year on the sidelines, and Sir Alex is in no doubt as to the potential impact the Serb's return can have.
"Nemanja is one of the best, a penalty box defender, there is no doubt about that," the United boss added.
"People have spoken about us losing goals. I would hope that stops, or reduces it a good bit anyway."
Manchester United travel to Wales to take on Swansea in Sunday's 1:30pm kickoff.