With a heady victory over Manchester City in the Manchester Derby last weekend secured, Manchester United will look to put a few goals past Sunderland in their English Premier League game.
After all the controversy and adrenaline of last weekend's epic game, United will be hoping for a more straightforward victory against Martin O'Neill's men, who are currently struggling in 15th position, at Old Trafford.
United will know what their lead at the top of the table looks like after City's early game at Newcastle.
"I'm happy with six points and it's City's challenge to try and catch us," Ferguson said during his pre-match press conference. "There are a lot of big games to come and I don't think six points is such a healthy lead. We threw a league away against Arsenal years ago, in 1998.
"We had a catalogue of injuries and that is the key. If you've got 20-odd players in your squad, you'll work on two players not being available each week. If we can keep it to that, I'll be delighted because it will give us a better chance.
"There are a lot of key issues in the second half of the season anyway, plus the fact you've got to get through this Christmas programme. Navigate that and if we're still top of the league then we'll be delighted."
Ferguson also came out in support O'Neill, after the Sunderland manager came under fire from several quarters following Sunderland's poor start to the season.
"There was a question to him last week which was absolutely ridiculous," Ferguson added.
"A journalist or a TV guy asked him if he still had self-belief. Martin O'Neill has won three titles with Celtic, he's taken them to a UEFA Cup final, he's been at Aston Villa, he's been at Leicester City... what a silly question.
"It's an insult, an absolute insult to him. And I'm glad his chairman is supporting him because he's an outstanding manager."
United welcome back skipper Nemanja Vidic, after the defender missed two months following knee surgery, but Jonny Evans will miss the game due to a hamstring injury. Shinji Kagawa will return to full training next week.
Sunderland are sweating on the fitness of Danny Rose, Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson, while Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole are long-term absentees.
To watch Manchester United vs Sunderland Live Stream, click here.
Expected lineups: Manchester United: De Gea; Evra, Smalling, Ferdinand, Rafael; Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Young; Rooney, Van Persie.
Sunderland: Mignolet; Gardner, O'Shea, Cuellar, Rose; Colback, Larsson, McClean, Sessegnon; Wickham, Fletcher.
Prediction: 3-0 to United.
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