Fergie: we must be ready to pounce on any Chelsea slip-up

ALEX FERGUSON has stressed the importance of a successful Christmas period as Manchester United aim to crank up the pressure on title favourites Chelsea.

United, who host West Brom on St Stephen’s Day, enter the festive schedule nine points behind Chelsea and Ferguson knows his side must be ready to pounce on any slip by the Barclays Premiership champions.

“December is an important month. If you can get into a challenging position by the end of it, you know you have a real chance,” he said.