It is 2005 since the west London outfit lost on home soil and most pundits expect that run to survive a visit from the out-of-form Red Devils.

Whereas Luiz Felipe Scolari's side have dropped just two points in their five matches this term, surprisingly by getting held at home by Spurs, United have amassed just four in total.

While they do have a game in hand, their lack of form is evidenced by the fact they have scored just three times, two of which have come from Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher.

But after lambasting his team for their 'Conference-style' defending at Liverpool last weekend, Ferguson is expecting far more from United.

And while the Scot recognises the challenge facing his team, he is confident they will respond in a positive manner.

"Chelsea know fine well Manchester United can win on Sunday," said Ferguson.

"They are a good team and have started very well this season.

"But with the ability we have it is not a daunting task.

"We have a big job to do and the players will be up for it.

"We don't want to come away trailing. We do not want to be nine points behind Chelsea or anyone else for that matter."

Ferguson was widely reported to have dismissed Chelsea for being too old this summer.

Yet the Scot insists he was not being derogatory to Scolari's side.

On the contrary, Ferguson is a great admirer of many Chelsea players, not least playmaker Deco, whom the Old Trafford chief thought about buying during his Porto days only to be put off by the £24million asking price.

"We were not going to get involved in that type of value but he is a nice footballer," said Ferguson.

"He is diminutive and clever. He does not have the same athleticism as Michael Essien but it does not make them any less as a team.

"I certainly did not say they were an old team.

"I said they were an experienced team. When players get to their 30s, you do not get a lot of improvement out of them.

"But they have certainly started well enough. They have only dropped two points."

Ferguson is debating whether to include £30million striker Dimitar Berbatov, who has recovered from the knee injury that kept him out in midweek, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who is eager to start after returning from ankle surgery with a 30-minute cameo against Villarreal.

"Cristiano is nibbling in my ear all the time. He is bursting to play," said Ferguson.

"When he really is buzzing, he attacks people with such speed they are forced to go back.

"The boy was on fire on Wednesday. He was revved up to do really well.

"When you think he has had an operation, has been in rehab for two months and had not played since May 21. It was a big ask for him.

"But you have to say his performance level was outstanding.

"He has trained very well and is a natural athlete, so I have no qualms on that score. I just have to decide whether it is the right time."

Ferguson could certainly do with a few of the 42 goals Ronaldo scored last term, his own amazing contribution to a season of glory.

Yet United are in danger of having their dreams of a title hat-trick wrecked unless they can find a winning formula soon.

Not that the Red Devils chief is too concerned. While Berbatov might find himself on the bench if Ronaldo plays, with Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney around as well, Ferguson feels it is only a matter of time before United start finding the net on a regular basis again.

"Who creates more chances than us? Melchester Rovers," said Ferguson, referring to the Roy of the Rovers dream team of comic-book fame.

"We do create more chances. But we will hit form and we will start scoring goals.

"Last season was similar until we got a scrappy 1-0 win against Sunderland and we were away.

"It will happen."