Sir Alex Ferguson: Every match is a must-win

Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged his players to treat every one of United's remaining Premier League fixtures as a must-win game.

As the season draws to an exciting close with the Reds still challenging for three trophies, the boss knows we cannot afford any slip-ups with crunch games coming thick and fast.

Saturday's testing trip to West Ham means an early kick-off and the chance to move eight points clear at the top but it's certain to be a difficult examination against Avram Grant's side.

Arsenal, who entertain Blackburn on Saturday, are five points behind United, but with a game in hand and the blockbuster showdown at the Emirates Stadium still to come.

Sir Alex believes the Gunners are the biggest threat to the Reds' bid to lift a record 19th league title but has refused to rule out a late challenge from three other contenders.

"It looks as if it's going to be us and Arsenal," he told Inside United. "But you never know.

"Man City, Chelsea and Tottenham are still in the frame - you can't dismiss them, but there are some important games coming up.

"The way I look at it is every game, for me, is a winner now.

"These are must-win games in the sense that every time you get the three points, it's another step closer to the finish line."