United off to good start as key stretch of season starts

MANCHESTER - Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United's chances of beating Manchester City to the Premier League title depend on its position at the turn of the year.

English champion United responded to its Champions League exit with a resounding 4-1 win over Wolves that moved it within two points of domestic table-topper City.

The midweek 2-1 defeat by Basel meant United failed to make it through to the knock-out phase of the Champions League for only the third time.