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Sir Alex Ferguson believes a trip to Japan in December will make-or-break Manchester United's season.

The Red Devils are due to head to the Far East for the Club World Cup, distracting their attentions from domestic action.

Ferguson admits that, with a mounting fixture list to contend with, he will not know whether his side are well-placed to defend their Premier League and UEFA Champions League crowns until the New Year.

"It's interesting that the bookies make Chelsea favourites for the title," said the United boss in the Daily Mail.

"I think the reason for that is that we've got the Club World Cup in Japan, when we're away for 10 days. Coming back from that type of tournament is a test for us.

"We play Stoke on the 26th, we're back on the 23rd, so that's a test. That's where the title will be decided for us - how we handle that.

Test

"Injuries are going to be a factor. So far we've coped with the loss of Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick, which is good going.

"I would agree we have to have a good squad available to handle going to Japan and we've also got a couple of games to make up.

"If we have a good run in the League Cup, which we have to do, then coming into the second half of the season is going to be a big test for us.

"That's why I say what's crucial to us is how we handle going to Japan.

"On New Year's Day we want to be around the top of the league to give ourselves a chance, because with those two games to make up, it may prove difficult for us. We've got to be right up there."