Sir Alex targets 90 points

Manchester United take on local rivals Bolton this weekend

Sam Allardyce's side usually offer one of the most physically demanding tests of the campaign at the Reebok Stadium, but Sir Alex is keen for his side to remain top of the table. He said: "I know fine well things can change [at the top of the table] overnight. The top teams can lose a couple of games and you're back to square one again.

"The deciding factor is always around April in the title race, but by January you have a good idea of the teams who will be there at the end of the season. It's never changed."

The United boss wants his side in as strong a position as possibly come the turn of the year. That means carrying on the impressive start to the season, which the manager puts down to a fully focused group of players set on avoiding the mistakes prevalent at the start of the last two seasons in particular.