MANCHESTER - The English Premier League soccer title battle is entering a critical phase, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said today.
Ferguson's champions are four points behind leaders Arsenal before Saturday's home game against bottom club Derby County, with six league games between now and the start of2008.
"December, as we know, is a crucial month," Ferguson said.
"By the end of December, I think we will know for certain who is going to be challenging for this league.
"There may be some points dropped here and there but the important thing is to be at the top or round about the top on January 1 and therefore look to the second part of the season as a real progressive step to try and get the title."
United's schedule involves a trip to Anfield on December 16 to face a Liverpool side who Ferguson believes could be in a four-way fight for the trophy.
"For a couple of weeks we thought that Chelsea and Liverpool were maybe going to get caught short, but they have recovered terrifically and they are playing really well.
"They are up there challenging and there is not really a lot between the teams now so I think you can expect a very competitive top of the league clash now. I think the two will be involved."
Like Ferguson, United winger Cristiano Ronaldo is eyeing top spot but said United have plenty of time to try and catch Arsenal.
"If we don't pass Arsenal in the next few weeks, don't worry," Ronaldo said.
"If we keep going with this football, with this team I think we have a good chance, be it Christmas or February."
With 11 goals in his last nine games Ronaldo has taken his tally for the season to 13 and Ferguson believes the Portugal international has every chance of overhauling last season's total of 23.
"That was the question mark at the start of the season and I said 'why shouldn't he?'. He's still a young player, he's still improving and he's still developing," Ferguson said.
Ronaldo, 22, also believes there is more to come on the back of his most productive goal-scoring run, which includes five goals in his last three league games.
"I try to improve every year and this year I think I am in a good way. I am working hard in training and in games and everything has gone forward. This is good for me and I want to score many goals," Ronaldo said.
