England striker Rooney was outstanding in the victory against LDU Quito in the Club World Cup final, despite being played slightly out of position.

He is likely to revert to his normal central role at Stoke on Boxing Day but his performance in Japan has given Ferguson food for thought.

Ferguson said: "Success is always good for you particularly on a high level.

"He won the man-of-the-match award and scored the goal. His positional play in the second half when I played him towards the left was fantastic.

"He was not just a threat, he defended for us. He did everything and was a real handful for them.

"It was educational for the boy himself to play in a position where he made such an impact. For us it was an insight into where we could maybe play him in future.

"Overall it was a fantastic performance by us and terrific for team unity.

"It will do us no harm winning a trophy in December. It adds to the prestige of the club.

"Once we got into that mentality of wanting to win the tournament, it became better for us."

Ferguson will be happy to see out the season with the current crop of players at his disposal.

He today confirmed he has no intention of recruiting top names when the transfer window reopens next week.

Instead his focus remains on being on the shoulders of the Barclays Premier League leaders going into 2009.

He said: "I do not think there will be any January transfers. I am happy with what I have got.

"We are probably going to bring back a couple of young players who have been on loan. That may just give us extra protection.

"We took 23 players to Japan and they are very substantial players. I would be happy to play anyone of them."

While United were away in the Far East, the top two, Liverpool and Chelsea, failed to take advantage and in fact dropped points.

Liverpool drew at Arsenal while Chelsea had to settle for a point against Everton at Goodison Park.

United are seven points adrift of Liverpool and six behind Chelsea - but have two games in hand on both.

Ferguson is now intent on regaining the high ground.

He said: "If we get within a point or two of the leaders by New Year's Day then we are in with a chance.

"The second half of the season is the most important because if you lose a game it means something, particularly when you get to March and April.

"Recent results have been predictable. Arsenal and Liverpool, given the position of the clubs and the history of the clubs, you expect a tight match."

United will train on Christmas morning before making the short 40-mile trip after dinner with their families.

Ferguson expects Stoke to come out with all guns blazing when they meet at lunchtime.

"We would probably have preferred a later kick-off, " he added. "I just hope our preparation is right.

"I have been to the Britannia a few times and there is always that really hot atmosphere. They are very passionate people. You have to deal with that."