Despite Manchester United's less than impressive start to the campaign, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp insists the Reds will soon find their form and be challenging Chelsea for the title. United are unbeaten in the league this season but have drawn more games than they have won.
Redknapp believes once Wayne Rooney recovers from an ankle injury and rediscovers his form, Sir Alex Ferguson's men will be back on track.
"They've had a few problems, haven't they, obviously losing Rooney with his injury and then another few problems they've had with Rooney," Redknapp said.
"When he comes back firing on all cylinders, they'll always be there.
"They've got a fantastic manager; he gets the best out of them every year; they produce great teams and I wouldn't write them off.
"They'll be right again there pushing all the way for the championship.
"Chelsea are obviously favourites at the moment but I don't think Man United will be too far away again come the end of the season."
Tottenham will face a Rooney-less United on Saturday, and Redknapp admitted that was a prospect he would relish.
"I'd be a liar if I said otherwise," he said.
"I'd rather see Rooney's name not on the team-sheet any day of the week."
It is almost 21 years since they last tasted victory at Old Trafford in any competition.
Redknapp joked: "I wouldn't take the blame for what happened in '89 or '90, or '91, '92, '93, or all those other years.
"It's a hard place for anyone. How many teams have been there and won?
"They lose one or two home games a season at the most.
"And it's different players here now.
"They wouldn't know about that record or anything else.
