United getting ready to be really really tired

MANCHESTER, England - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson expects his squad to be stretched to its limits as fixtures come thick and fast during the holiday period.

The reigning English champions are currently second in the Premier League table and in touch with leaders and cross-town rivals Manchester City.

But a squad already without the likes of the injured Nemanja Vidic, Javier Hernandez, Michael Owen, Tom Cleverley, Anderson, Rafael and Fabio faces five matches in 18 days starting with Sunday's match away to QPR.