Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that his side are entering a crucial part of the season.

United are currently a point clear of rivals Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table and Ferguson believes that his side need to concentrate on picking up results over the Christmas period rather than focusing on their performance.

Ferguson told reporters: "It is the time of the year when you grind results out.

"The internationals are out of the way and we play our last group game in the Champions League next Wednesday, which gives us further opportunity to concentrate on the league.

"It is a big moment for us."

Manchester United travel to Reading on Saturday.