"We are Already Halfway '

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is confident the squad operations are getting closer to the Premier League champion this season.

On Saturday, Ferguson's team continued to demonstrate consistent action when a 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford.

The victory thus saw United remain at the top by collecting 49 points, seven points leave their closest rivals, Manchester City.

However, the match yesterday, shy Dutch striker Robin van Persie more attention Ferguson.

After United has overtaken its results own goal West Bromich player, Gareth McAuley as early as the ninth minute, the appearance of van Persie who came on as a substitute in the second half turned out to be disappointing Ferguson.

This is because van Persie managed to detonate his second goal for United in the late innings match.

For the record, it is the goal of the 14th van Persie in the league since he played for United earlier this season.

Ferguson believes his guidance squad now are 'half-way' to reclaim the championship trophy from City this season.

"The inclusion of van Persie has changed the pattern of our game. Once I took him and Paul Scholes in, they have done well to change our style of play.

"The goal van Persie scored very impressive, but he himself is an amazing player. He went into the field and change the pattern of our game.

"Every time he got the ball, he managed to control well and force opponents last line of defense in the penalty box. He managed to perform his duties properly.

"Currently, we are in a good position. We are already halfway to the league champion. We will face Wigan Athletic in the next match on Tuesday (early Wednesday morning).

"The match is very important and we want to win it," Ferguson said just the match yesterday.

Ferguson also praised the United defense that has demonstrated consistent action when not conceded a total of four games in a row so far.

United Have Quality Champion

Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United have shown their determination to regain the Premier League trophy this season.

Scottish birth operators expressed optimism after the team The Red Devils beat Newcastle United 4-3 at Old Trafford earlier this morning.

Ferguson's team victory net proceeds Mexico striker Javier Hernandez in the final minutes of the game.

Success is put United comfortably in the league stage after collecting 46 points, seven points ahead of nearest rival and defending champion Manchester City lost 0-1 to Sunderland.

Ferguson said that, based on the character shown the players, they have the quality to win the Premier League title.

"The fact that we do is through a performance," said Ferguson.

"This is a presentation of a championship team.

"I feel that this is the last game this season, but it describes the courage of our team. We never give up.

"We had a lot of bad decisions in the first half. It undermines the spirit of the team but they did not give up and that is the quality that we have.

"Three times behind, three times we got up to the equalizer before scoring the winner.

"It is a significant decision. It puts us in a good position before against Wigan Athletic on 1 January next year." - Agencies

Swans Resist United Onslaught

Goals from Patrice Evra on 16 minutes to give ray victory to Manchester United but hopes were extinguished by Michu equalizer at minute 29. 

Results Swansea managed to tie Manchester United with a 1-1 draw at home, at the Liberty Stadium to some extent inhibited the least chessboard Alex Ferguson distanced itself from its closest competitor, Manchester City. 

It is also a special gift for Swansea coach, Michael Laudrup.

However this is a fair result for both teams displaying patterns and fast-paced game with a high tempo in search of a goal. Although a draw, Manchester United still possessed four points in the league table over Manchester City.

Match will be continued later on Boxing Day where Manchester United will be receiving a visit from their rivals, Newcastle United at Old Trafford, while its closest competitor Manchester City travel to the Stadium of Light, home to Sunderland. Tonight's game considering the adverse Manchester United because it can not separate points with Manchester City but with a draw to give a little edge to them than suffer defeat the fourth time.

Rooney: Derby Win Will add to City Woe

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is hoping a win in Sunday's derby will heap more pressure on Roberto Mancini and his City side. Rooney and his United team-mates sit three points above their City rivals on the Premier League table ahead of the clash at Etihad Stadium.

Mancini's men crashed out of the Champions League midweek following a 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund, and Rooney believes that result be used to United's advantage.

"City are out of the Champions League and are having a bit of a tough time - I think everyone can see that behind the scenes. If we win, we can put more pressure on them. If we get three points there, it will be massive for us.

Rooney also pinpointed United's wide players as an area which could help Sir Alex Ferguson's side make a decisive move in the Premier League tittle race.

"I think our strength is getting winger on the pitch, getting the ball out wide, attacking and getting crosses into the box," he said. "That's obviously the way Manchester United have played for years, so I think that's one of our strengths.

Derby game will play live from Etihad Stadium at 21.30 Hong Kong time.