On your Mask: Schalke defender Christoph Metzelder and Ryan Giggs battle for possession.

On your Mask: Schalke defender Christoph Metzelder and Ryan Giggs battle for possession. Photo: AFP

MANCHESTER United boss Alex Ferguson basked in the 2-0 Champions League semi-final first leg win over Schalke on Wednesday and admitted his team faced a crucial seven days.

United tackles Arsenal on Sunday and fellow Premier League title rival Chelsea the following weekend, with the return European leg against Schalke sandwiched in between.

''It's a crucial seven days coming up for the club. I think we've come to our peak,'' he said.

United is on the verge of a record 19th English league title, standing six points ahead of Chelsea and nine in front of Arsenal with just four matches left.

And after Tuesday's impressive win, it is in the box seat for a spot in the Champions League final on May 28 where either Barcelona or Real Madrid will be its opponent.

Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, a reported United target, kept the three-time champion at bay almost single-handedly before quick-fire second-half goals from Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney brought United victory.

The result puts Ferguson's side firmly in the driving seat ahead of next week's return leg at Old Trafford, when it will seek to book its place in the Champions League final for the third time in four seasons.

?FA Cup finalist Stoke's fine run of form continued on Tuesday as it dealt a huge blow to Wolves' prospects of staying in the Premier League with a 3-0 win.

Wolves are second from bottom, a point adrift of safety, with four matches remaining. AFP