Six successive wins have kept the Red Devils in contention on all fronts after a difficult start to the season.

Three of the six points they are behind leaders Chelsea and Liverpool can be clawed back when a game in hand against Fulham is eventually played, while further inroads can be made this weekend as United's chief rivals go head-to-head at Stamford Bridge.

However, Rooney is aware his side must navigate further tricky fixtures at Arsenal and Manchester City before November is out, then miss another game due to their appearance at the World Club Cup.

The England star, who visits former club Everton tomorrow, feels it will be the festive season before United really start to shake up the championship picture.

"We knew it would be a difficult start to the season," he said.

"Thankfully, if we win our game in hand, we are not too far away from Chelsea and Liverpool.

"If we can creep up on them this weekend when they play each other and then stay around the top four for Christmas, hopefully we can go on from there."

With Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra tipped to return from injury at Goodison Park, Sir Alex Ferguson's defensive strength is likely to be reinforced.

Midfield is less congested as Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and, in all probability, Michael Carrick remain sidelined, although Ryan Giggs will be fresh after missing out on an appearance against Celtic in midweek.

However, in attack, Ferguson has more weapons at his disposal than he can accommodate.

While he has tinkered with the idea of having Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez in the same starting line-up, in reality it will be two from three unless Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself on the bench.

As both Rooney and Berbatov are in top form at present, scoring in the midweek Champions League rout, Tevez is set to miss out again.

"We have some brilliant strikers here," said Rooney.

"On Tuesday, Dimitar did really well and scored twice while Carlos looked really sharp when he came on and created my goal for me.

"The forwards are all top class and you have to be at your best to stay in the team."