Prior to Saturday's match with Everton, the Red Devils had fallen eight points behind Carlo Ancelotti's men at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

But a fantastic volley from Scotland international Darren Fletcher and goals from team-mates Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia ensured a comfortable victory over the Toffees at Old Trafford, which helped to close the gap on Chelsea.

"We have to look at all the games as must-win now," said Ferguson after the match. "We need to get on a run and be somewhere near the top of the league by New Year's Day. Then, in the second half of the season we can have a real go and give ourselves a chance."

With their place in the Champions League knock-out phase secure already, Ferguson can make plenty of changes for Wednesday's encounter with Besiktas and keep his preferred team fresh for the long trip to Portsmouth on Saturday.

It is a fair bet Fletcher will be involved at Fratton Park after another fine performance. Over the last 12 months, Fletcher's reputation has soared.

Ferguson is obviously well aware of his fellow countryman's abilities at shutting down the opposition. But the United manager admitted Fletcher's volley took him by surprise.

"Darren is an improving player," said Ferguson. "Each year we have seen his performance level go up and up and it is still doing so. But I have to admit I did not expect that goal. It was really well taken."