Sir Alex eyes April showdowns

Sir Alex Ferguson believes United's matches against Arsenal and Chelsea in April will almost certainly decide the destination of the league title this season.

Defeat to City on Sunday was a major blow for the Reds' hopes of retaining the Premier League crown. United, of course, could be five points behind league leaders Arsenal if the Gunners beat Blackburn at the Emirates Stadium tonight.

Speaking to Inside United magazine before the defeat to City, Sir Alex's comments now carry even greater resonance.

United face Arsenal (12 April) and Chelsea (26 April) in the space of two weeks in the penultimate month of the campaign, which Sir Alex believes will be crucial.

"There's no doubt about it, the games against Arsenal and Chelsea will be decisive," he said.

"The fact that the league is so close makes a big difference. All the top sides have dropped points. Teams are taking points off the top sides more than ever. But it looks likely that our home game against Arsenal and the match at Chelsea could make a huge difference."

Ryan Giggs thinks that United must win both matches, saying after Sunday's derby defeat that the Reds "cannot afford to drop any more points now".

First, the Welshman and Sir Alex will also be hoping that Blackburn can do United a favour in North London, as they did earlier in the season when they claimed a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park in August.