Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United can look forward to the second-half of the season with great confidence.

United are not in action again in the Premier League until they travel to in-form Birmingham on January 9.

But when they resume battle with chief rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, the Old Trafford godfather knows that his side's current position, just two points adrift of Carlo Ancelotti's men, provides the ideal springboard for a concerted challenge.

"We would have liked to be better but given all the injuries, this is where we hoped to be," said Ferguson.

"You have to respect the fact Chelsea have also won games but the second half of the season does not hold any fears for us.

"We have got the squad and with defenders coming back, it gives us the confidence we can handle everything over the next few months."