Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants to be leading the table on New Year's day.

Despite crashing out of both the Champions League and Carling Cup recently, United have taken 19 Premier League points from 21 to prove they are not prepared to give up their title without a fight.

Asked about the significance of going top for a few hours, manager Ferguson said after victory over QPR: "The important thing is to be there on New Year's Day.

"If you're involved right at the top part then you know the second half of the season, we'll relish that."