Ferguson is confident that his side will rise to the challenge.

United boss Fergie said: "These are important weeks coming up - four games away from home, which will be a challenge.

"We have Marseille in Europe and then a trip to Wigan, who are fighting relegation, Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Liverpool away.

"It's a time to enjoy and, in big games in particular, the players don't let us down often."