Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney admits the Christmas programme could make-or-break their Premiership campaign.

Ahead of Boxing Day's clash with Stoke City, Rooney told manutd.com: "It's a big game and a big time of the season for us so it's important we pick up the three points.

"We know it'll be tough especially after having only just returned from Japan. But all the games are winnable over Christmas and we're confident we can beat Stoke and Middlesbrough.

"The FA Cup starts soon after and we've got the Carling Cup semi-final with Derby and then the Chelsea game to think about.

"So the next few weeks are a big time of the season for us and they could have a real impact on how things pan out during the rest of the campaign. Hopefully we can get the results we want."