Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says his players are stepping up their game as the big matches come thick-and-fast.

Fergie said: "A lot of our players are smelling the big games now.

"They are beginning to smell the atmosphere of the big games. They smell the occasion more and that's encouraging us more.

"Look at the last few weeks. We've had a fantastic performance at Porto and two fantastic displays against Arsenal - plus the second half with Tottenham was superb and we produced a really good performance at Middlesbrough. The team has come to top form at the right time. I'd like to say it is all down to our preparation but, to be honest, it is not.

"I think it is more that the players smell the situation so well.

"They like the big-game situation, they have proved that. They have proved they can handle it. We're in good form now."