United will fire on all cylinders: Smith
Despite boasting a £60million forward line containing Smith, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha, United drew their fourth blank in 11 Premiership games as with a defeat at Portsmouth on Saturday.
Crystal Palace's Andy Johnson has scored more top flight goals on his own than United's illustrious quartet combined.
They have failed to score in the first 15 minutes of any league match this season and with just 11 goals, the Old Trafford outfit are a miserable 14th in the Premiership goalscoring charts.
Alex Ferguson knows the situation will have to be reversed quickly if his team are to stand any chance of pulling back the nine-point deficit on title rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.
But Smith is confident a change in fortune is not far away. The former Leeds man, who has netted seven times in all competitions since his move from Elland Road last summer, feels the United line-up is too talented for the drought to continue.
"We have a good blend," Smith told the club's website, www.manutd.com
"Ruud's goalscoring record speaks for itself everybody knows what he is about. Wayne can drop in and play behind one or two strikers, while Louis has got fantastic pace, is great in the air and has an unbelievable left foot. I can hold the ball up and bring other people into play, and my finishing is all right. The main thing is we are all different."
Ironically, Smith's place in the starting line-up to face Sparta Prague at Old Trafford tomorrow night is in doubt as Van Nistelrooy is available after serving the second of his three- match domestic ban on Saturday.
Though the Dutchman has had a lean time in the Premiership this term, with just two penalties to his name, his phenomenal European strike rate 31 goals in 35 appearances - means it is virtually unthinkable for Ferguson to leave him out, as he must also sit out next weekend's Manchester derby.
Despite United's best efforts, it is looking increasingly likely that Van Nistelrooy will be the only player punished over the fractious win over Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Red Devils officials are expected to hand over their dossier on the game this week, which will include a damning 'Tape of Tackles' chronicling challenges from Arsenal players which went unpunished.
Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp have already been fingered as culprits, while Edu's conduct has not escaped United's attention either.
But with the FA ruling out action for any offence reported after the 48-hour post-match deadline except in exceptional circumstances, United's detective work looks certain to be in vain.
Given his team's alarming inconsistency, Ferguson will welcome the chance to concentrate on a crucial week where two home wins are essential.
Having secured five points from their opening three Champions League outings, another three against Sparta tomorrow will virtually seal United's passage into the last 16.
After that, Kevin Keegan will go to Old Trafford looking to lead City to their first derby win there since 1974.
Anything other than a home win is unthinkable if United are to stand a chance of reclaiming their title.
But Cristiano Ronaldo insists they can still come back.
"There is still time to come back," he told Marca.
"I am still confident in the team. Against Arsenal we gave a lesson in how to play under difficult circumstances and take the points.
"If we can keep doing that, I am confident little by little, we can reduce the gap."
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