United travel to face Premier League title rivals Chelsea on Sunday not in the best of form, winning only one of their last five games, scoring just four goals. But Ferguson is confident that his side will return to winning ways despite their frustrating 0-0 stalemate with La Liga runners-up Villarreal in the Champions League last night. "We will improve from now," said Ferguson. "We are a bit short but the games will bring us on." "It was the same last season.
It wasn't until we got a victory over Sunderland that we really got on the road. "We have a little bit to go yet. But once the sharpness of play comes I am sure the goals will come as well." United's overall performance, however, pleased Ferguson despite the disappointment of a Jonny Evans effort striking the post late-on and Carlos Tevez's earlier second half chance being cleared off the line. New £30 million arrival Dimitar Berbatov was missing last night having suffered a knee injury in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool last weekend but Ferguson is hopeful the Bulgarian will be fit in time to face Luiz Felipe Scolari's charges. "Dimitar has a chance for Sunday but it is too early to say for certain," he said. Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, will not be rushed back into United's first team for this weekend's early decisive clash even after making a swift recovery to comeback from a two month absence due to ankle surgery for the first time yesterday.
Ferguson said: "That was his first game back so it is a big ask to think about Sunday. "To come back like that, without a practice match or anything, the boy has done very well." The United manager added praise for the club's supporters, reflecting on his anticipated positive reception Ronaldo received upon his return following a turbulent summer-long protracted transfer saga of speculation linking the player to joining Real Madrid. "We expected Cristiano to get a great reception," said Ferguson "He knows the supporters have always been behind him. He has given us great moments and scored some fantastic goals. "Maybe he was a bit apprehensive but he shows great loyalty and commitment every time he puts that jersey on."
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