Although Chelsea are in the thick of the title fight, Scolari has been heavily criticised since being appointed as Avram Grant's successor in the summer.

The Brazilian has presided over the loss of a four-year unbeaten record at Stamford Bridge and while Chelsea's superb away form has kept them in the top two, many fans are disgruntled at the performances of a team expected to be above the likes of current table-toppers Liverpool.

But Ferguson feels the World Cup winner can handle the pressure.

And, while Scolari had never managed on the club scene in Europe prior to his arrival in west London, the Manchester United boss does not view that as a problem either.

"Scolari has fantastic experience, which should stand him in good stead coming into any league in the world," said Ferguson.

"He has managed Brazil and Portugal and no matter where you get your experience it is still vital.

"People are looking at Nigel Clough and saying he has not managed in the league but 10 years at Burton is as good experience as you are ever going to get.

"It allows you to go down the road and know which door to knock on.

"I don't think there has been much change in the Chelsea team other than the swing in terms of home and away form.

"They are still consistent, they are still very difficult to play against and they still have very good players."

That swing in home form is quite marked. Defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal, following an earlier draw with United when the Blues needed a late Salomon Kalou effort to rescue a point are not the only blots on the Stamford Bridge landscape.

They tumbled out of the Carling Cup to Burnley on home soil and next Wednesday face an FA Cup replay at Southend after being held by the Shrimpers in front of their own fans last Saturday.

In contrast, Chelsea have recorded eight wins out of 10 away games, conceding just three goals in the process, two of which came in the local derby at Fulham a fortnight ago.

"Normally you are talking about Chelsea being unbeaten at home," reflected Ferguson.

"But this season it is their away record that has kept them at the top. It is absolutely outstanding."

As United have recorded seven home wins on the trot since being held by Newcastle when they began the defence of their championship, something must give.

It is an important period for the Red Devils, who tackle Wigan in the first of two crucial matches in hand on Wednesday and then face Bolton before tackling Derby in the Carling Cup and Tottenham in the FA Cup.

Little wonder Ferguson expects to use his entire squad, currently lacking just Owen Hargreaves and Wes Brown, which has been painstakingly put together, matching youth with experience in a bid to retain top spot.

"We have been building this squad for a while now and during the run-in, with the number of competitions we are in, we will use them all," said Ferguson.

"Other teams have good squads as well. Liverpool's is much stronger than last season and Chelsea have had a strong squad for the last four or five years since Jose Mourinho came to the club.

"Theirs is very experienced. Ours is much younger but there is lots of ability."

Rio Ferdinand returns from a back injury, while Ferguson refused to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo's high-speed smash, other than to confirm the prospective world player of the year will play.

Also included is Patrice Evra, who has completed a four-match ban imposed for his part in the ugly post-match fracas at Chelsea last season.

"Patrice will be the freshest match on the pitch," reflected Ferguson.

"He has been training well and is looking forward to it. It is a great boost to have him back because he has had a fantastic season for us."