WELL, AT LEAST WE'VE STILL GOT THE CARLING CUP TO PLAY FOR

Last updated : 11 December 2005 By Ed

More, just in case you need to get back to sleep:

"I feel we've reasons which make us confident by the end of the season this will still have been a great one."

Queiroz is happy with United's form and feels there is a determination to emerge from their turmoil and put things right on the domestic front.

He said: "We're performing well, the team is progressing and we trust the quality of our preparation.

"This is not a time for talking or finding explanations or excuses. Now it is time to move forward and deliver.

"I feel we have reasons which make us confident that by the end of the season this will still have been a great one for us.

"You cannot be a professional or a champion in football and only be ready to face the beautiful moments.

"You have to be ready to rebound from these bad moments, accept the criticism and learn from it. I'm convinced some of the rubbish being said about us will only make us stronger.

"It will only be at the end of the season when you will be able to judge whether Manchester United have been successful or not."