Darren Fletcher says Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has made it clear how important their upcoming games are to their title hopes.
United host Arsenal tomorrow night ahead of next weekend's clash with Chelsea.
Fletcher said: "Things haven't changed with the manager. He still enjoys the challenge of the big games, pitting his wits against another top manager.
"I think the rivalry is still there with Arsene Wenger. They're two great managers at two massive clubs, so it will always be there.
"It might not seem be as intense as it used to be, but one incident might spark it off again because our manager is as determined as ever to be a winner."
"Arsenal are always a threat. Chelsea are the defending champions and have a lot of experience, but Arsenal are always there or thereabouts.
"They haven't been real title challengers for a couple of years now, but it is going to come together sooner rather than later because they are a top side and they have a lot of players gaining experience all the time.
"So we have to be wary of both Arsenal and Chelsea. I don't think you can say one is the bigger danger, so we must just concentrate on ourselves."
He added: "People might think these games are too early in the season to be decisive in the title race but looking back on last year, the two Chelsea games proved to be very important.
"We didn't think we got the benefit of the doubt from the referee in both of those games and when big decisions go against you in big games it can cost you the title.
"There were other games when we could have put that right and at the end of the day Chelsea deserved to win the league, but it just shows you that any slight mistakes or misjudgements in these big games can cost you and that is why you want to win.
"That's why these games can be so important. When you are at the top you don't want to lose any ground on your rivals.
"We're not firing on all cylinders yet we are near the top of the league and we are unbeaten - and that says a lot about the squad and the determination we have."
