United will not be at best until after Christmas, says Fergie

CHAMPIONS Manchester United will not be at their Premiership best until after Christmas, according to Alex Ferguson.

United have made their best start to a season for 10 years after winning seven of their opening nine games and losing just one to lie second in the table behind Arsenal.

But Ferguson insists they will not peak until the last few months of the season as they seek a ninth premier league title in 12 years.

“We don’t usually (hit top form yet) anyway. What we have done is we have been consistent,” said Ferguson.

“What we hope to do is maintain that consistency up to New Year and we always feel we improve in the second half. There’s no doubt Chelsea and Arsenal have achieved a great consistency themselves. We want a consistency up to New Year and I think after New Year we will be in a good position.” Ferguson’s words were echoed by winger Ryan Giggs, who returns to league action against Fulham today after recovering from illness to help United win at Rangers in the Champions League on Wednesday.

“I don’t think there’s a lot missing and I think the form, generally, has been good,” said Giggs.

“But I think we realise it’s a long season and I think we can definitely go up a gear.”

“I think when the big games come that’s when you see the lads respond.

“I think the team, generally, is not firing on all cylinders, but we are playing quite well and we realise if we show this form and if we're there or thereabouts at the turn of the year then we've got a great chance.”

Sixth-placed Fulham have made a decent start to the season under Chris Coleman, who at 32 is the youngest manager in the top flight.

Ferguson will not be able to sit near Coleman in the dug-out as he starts a two-match touchline ban.

“I don't think it's a tremendous handicap,” he added.