Best is yet to come

The underlying message from Rio Ferdinand sounds ominous for Manchester  United's opponents: we might be in pole position but we can still improve.

Although the Reds have now beaten Arsenal and Chelsea in successive league games, the defender admitted his team have yet to find top gear over a sustained period; the complete performance and with it a comprehensive victory, remain on United's wishlist.

"Yes it's been good but we're aiming for better," said Ferdinand, when asked to reflect on that significant pair of victories.

"I don't think we have hit a real purple patch yet, which we are really searching for. We played quite well today as a team and we defended well. But getting it all in one package and doing it all in a ninety minutes at the right times, we're still aiming for that and it will come soon, don't worry."

Whether it will come in the next few weeks remains to be seen, with United heading into four away games on the bounce.