Ferguson issues warning

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has issued a warning to clubs who get promoted to the Premiership next season.

The former Aberdeen boss admits the secret to surviving, is to get off to a good start. The warning comes after Reading were promoted on Saturday, and Sir Alex believes that if you start like Sunderland, you are almost certainly down.

"It's a two-way street. You either go one way up the way or, if you don't get a good start, you go back the way like Sunderland. Unfortunately, they've experienced that very factor - if you don't get a good start, you're dead," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

West Ham and Wigan have survived the drop for this season, but next season will be the real test.

"West Ham and Wigan both had good starts and capitalised on those starts. When West Ham had a little blip, they had enough points to consolidate in mid-table, maybe just slightly below that, and the FA Cup run has galvanised them," added Sir Alex.

However, Ferguson only has one thing on his mind right now, and that is defeating West Ham United tonight in a crucial Premiership match.

"The team is playing with great confidence and authority and hopefully, like anything else, you hope you don't get any serious injuries to your main players."