Ferguson sets Manchester United's New Year's Day goal

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) - Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes that his team's trip to Swansea City in the Premier League on Sunday is the start of a pivotal run of matches.

United go into the weekend six points clear of second-place Manchester City, who host bottom club Reading on Saturday.

Ferguson's side then host Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion before travelling to Wigan Athletic on Jan 1.

The United manager believes that if his team are in the same position when they travel to the DW Stadium, they will have taken a major step towards winning a 20th league title.