Valencia: It's a three-horse race

Published Jan. 21, 2012 1:15 p.m. ET

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The Ecuador international claims the Red Devils are ready to pile the pressure on their Manchester neighbours City and surprise contenders Tottenham, with some crucial games ahead of them in the title run in.

And the 26-year-old believes the recent 3-2 home defeat against Blackburn has helped 'serve as a lesson' - reigniting the club's championship charge.

Angry

He told The Sun: "After a blow like that it's not easy to recover. The result was unpredictable, nobody liked what happened but maybe it served as a lesson.

"But the manager was angry, the players were unhappy. Mr Ferguson didn't have to say too much - we all knew what had happened.

"Now we are second in the table and it's vital we finish as the leaders. Nothing is decided yet and the pressure could affect Manchester City and we are ready to jump ahead of them.

"Tottenham are developing a sensational season and are also in the race and will be dangerous. But at United we are obliged to fight for the title and will never throw in the towel.

"Paul Scholes is back and his return has been a big plus.

"Me? My objective is to stay in the first team and help United win the league. That's what's expected of us."

The South American missed the 8-2 thrashing of Arsenal, but is itching to start against the North London giants when the sides meet at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.

And Valencia feels the goal frenzy back in August will still be playing on the Gunners' minds.

"That was an historic scoreline, one the fans will always remember. To repeat it is practically impossible but in terms of morale, could help influence the result," he said.

"Arsenal made a bad start to the season. They have improved but are still too many points behind in the Premier League title race.

"They will want revenge over us, especially after losing at Swansea, and they need the points to reduce the distance between them and the top four.

"They could still land some blows in the competition so it's up to us not to react to the pressure they are under. We must play with intelligence and make sure we take our chances.

"The best thing about Arsenal is their midfield and the way they connect with their attack. They have suffered problems in defence and that's where we need to exploit them.

"Talk about the Arsenal attack and it's Robin van Persie. We need to stop him, while Thierry Henry is a new factor. I don't know if he'll start but whenever he comes on he'll be highly motivated."