Sir Alex Ferguson: 'We need to be top by New Year'

Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Manchester United need to be close to the top of the Premier League by the New Year if they are to have any hope of defending their title.

The Red Devils' bitter rivals Manchester City have become the favourites to clinch the league trophy due to their five-point lead and 6-1 demolition of United at Old Trafford last month.

"Being there at New Year's Day is the big one for us," Sky Sports News quotes Ferguson as saying. "If we are around about the top, the second half of the season presents an opportunity for us.

"With the way this club is organised to perform in the second half of the season, it helps us. That is my aim. It doesn't matter how we get there, or who is around us - Chelsea, Manchester City or Arsenal - as long as we are."

The Red Devils take on Newcastle United tomorrow in a bid to put pressure on Roberto Mancini's side.