MANCHESTER - Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United's flying start to the season is all the more impressive considering the severity of their fixture list.
United are two points clear at the top of the Premier League after starting the season with five straight victories, which is their best opening to a campaign under Ferguson and the most impressive by the Red Devils since Ron Atkinson era in 1985.
They have scored 21 goals on the way to beating West Brom, Tottenham, Arsenal, Bolton and Chelsea, who they defeated 3-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The champions' next Premier League game is at Stoke next weekend and Ferguson feels the toughness of his team's start makes their points tally even more of an achievement.
"We've had tough teams at Old Trafford, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea, and we thought the fixture list had given us a real test," Ferguson said. "We're getting the tough ones early on but you've got to have them sometime.
"We're enjoying our football, playing with great enthusiasm and threat and we could have scored six or seven (against Chelsea). That threat is encouraging us all."
Defender Chris Smalling is doubtful for the League Cup trip to Leeds today after limping off against Chelsea with a groin problem.
Mexican striker Javier Hernandez also sustained an injury in a challenge with Ashley Cole and Ferguson was angry at the conduct of the Chelsea defender.
Smalling gave United a perfect start when he headed in Ashley Young's free-kick before Nani doubled the lead with a long-range shot.
Wayne Rooney tapped in his ninth goal in five Premier League appearances but after Fernando Torres scored just his second goal since joining Chelsea in January, Rooney missed from the penalty spot.
Chelsea are now five points off the leaders but Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas feels his team have already shown they will challenge all the way for the title.
"United are in a good position now but it's very, very early. I said before the game that nothing that happened here would mean anything in the Premier League table," he said.
Nature of Man U hot streak stuns Fergie
MANCHESTER - Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United's flying start to the season is all the more impressive considering the severity of their fixture list.
United are two points clear at the top of the Premier League after starting the season with five straight victories, which is their best opening to a campaign under Ferguson and the most impressive by the Red Devils since Ron Atkinson era in 1985.
They have scored 21 goals on the way to beating West Brom, Tottenham, Arsenal, Bolton and Chelsea, who they defeated 3-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The champions' next Premier League game is at Stoke next weekend and Ferguson feels the toughness of his team's start makes their points tally even more of an achievement.
"We've had tough teams at Old Trafford, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea, and we thought the fixture list had given us a real test," Ferguson said. "We're getting the tough ones early on but you've got to have them sometime.
"We're enjoying our football, playing with great enthusiasm and threat and we could have scored six or seven (against Chelsea). That threat is encouraging us all."
Defender Chris Smalling is doubtful for the League Cup trip to Leeds today after limping off against Chelsea with a groin problem.
Mexican striker Javier Hernandez also sustained an injury in a challenge with Ashley Cole and Ferguson was angry at the conduct of the Chelsea defender.
Smalling gave United a perfect start when he headed in Ashley Young's free-kick before Nani doubled the lead with a long-range shot.
Wayne Rooney tapped in his ninth goal in five Premier League appearances but after Fernando Torres scored just his second goal since joining Chelsea in January, Rooney missed from the penalty spot.
Chelsea are now five points off the leaders but Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas feels his team have already shown they will challenge all the way for the title.
"United are in a good position now but it's very, very early. I said before the game that nothing that happened here would mean anything in the Premier League table," he said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos