Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident of their title challenge after victory last night over Sunderland.

Nemanja Vidic's last-gasp strike allowed United to claim a 1-0 win over managerless Sunderland at Old Trafford this evening, keeping them five points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand.

Maintaining close proximity over the next three weeks will not be easy as the Red Devils miss a game due to their participation at the Club World Cup in Japan.

But if Ferguson ushers in 2009 with his team within a win of Rafael Benitez's side and their closest pursuers Chelsea, he thinks the championship will be in United's grasp.

"If we get within two or three points of the top two by the turn of the year, we will have a marvellous chance," he said.

"It has not been easy for us but we have coped very well. Our form has been very good."