Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says Nani is just like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nani struck his first goal for United in Sunday's victory over Tottenham and Ferdinand reflected: "Nani is similar to Ronaldo in that he can hit a ball so hard and powerfully.

"That is all he has to do because if he hits the target, he has a chance of scoring."

Ferdinand dismissed Tottenham's complaints over the penalty that never was as "gripes", although he did concede United were fortunate their first win came from arguably their worst performance of the campaign so far.

The good news is that both Louis Saha and Anderson should be fit for Saturday's eagerly-awaited visit of Roy Keane's Sunderland.

Providing United offer their illustrious former captain a welcome return and nothing else, they will at least keep tabs on leaders Chelsea heading into the first international break, giving Ferguson a chance to get more players fit.

Although a five-point deficit on Jose Mourinho's men is hardly ideal at this stage, Ferdinand cannot believe anyone would be stupid enough to write United off at this early stage.

"It was a big relief to win because the pressure was on," he said.

"If you don't win games you don't win trophies so it was imperative we got a result. Thankfully, we have managed to do that.

"Everyone was going on about the season being over with three games gone. It is silly really but that is what happens these days.

"It is far too early to tell how things are going to pan out.

"If we look at the league table at Christmas, then we will probably know a bit more.

"Until then, everyone is trying to find their feet and get a bit of consistency. We are one of them.

"We know what we have to do - win games. If we do that we will put ourselves in a position to be successful."