Chris Smalling believes Manchester United, even though they are in third place, are still well positioned to reclaim the Premier League crown. United were held to a 2-2 draw by Aston Villa on Saturday.
Smalling admits it was frustrating not to beat Villa even though United trailed 2-0 with only 10 minutes remaining before Federico Macheda and Nemanja Vidic struck.
The result did at least extend United's record of not having lost yet this term, which Smalling hopes will remain the case for as long as possible.
"We've stayed unbeaten and I think that is the main positive to take from the game, but overall we are really disappointed," the defender told Sky Sports News.
"I think we are still in a great position."
Smalling is confident United will improve as a number of key players return to fitness.
"Obviously we have got some injuries so we have got a lot of players to come back, but the people who have come in I think have done a great job," he said.
"To still remain unbeaten is a real something to hold onto.
"A lot of teams expect us to be there or thereabouts. We have won the title however many years and we have no doubts that we will be up there and hopefully taking that league back at the end of the season."
