Fergie says United are getting back to best

Alex Ferguson reckons Manchester United are showing signs of getting back to their best form.

United had been struggling in the Barclaycard Premiership, but Saturday’s 5-3 win over Newcastle at Old Trafford leaves them just six points behind leaders Arsenal.

It has been a different story in Europe, though, where Ferguson’s side strolled through to the second phase of the Champions League where they face Basle in Switzerland tonight.

And with the likes of David Beckham, Roy Keane, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt still to return to the squad following injury, Ferguson is confident they can recapture championship form.

He told The Sun: “We have shown our true selves again. We know things can turn round for us.

“We are coming to the part of the season when you need to perform. It is the time we enjoy and, traditionally, begin to hit form. Hopefully that will be the case again.

“When you consider the problems we have had, what we’ve achieved has been very good.

“Now we’re only six points off the leaders, knowing all our best players are on their way back from injury.”

Ferguson added: “Those five goals against Newcastle told you we had reached a different level from the rest of the season.

“That has been waiting to happen for some time and provides great encouragement to us all.”