United are aiming for an unprecedented 12th clean sheet tomorrow when they tackle Everton at Old Trafford.

The run has enabled Ferguson's side to collect maximum points from their last six games - even though they scored just a single goal in four of them.

But Tuesday's five-goal mauling of West Brom was a sign of a strike force beginning to find its form - and Ferguson feels Cristiano Ronaldo and company are ready to take centre stage again.

"Quite rightly, defenders have been taking the credit this season up until now. I hope it is now the forwards' turn," said Ferguson.

"It is important, because I have said for years we have always had the best goal difference when we are contesting the Premiership title.

"Last season I was able to make changes for the game at Chelsea before the Champions League semi-final the following week, because our goal difference was like an extra point.

"When we were in Japan we were 13 goals behind Chelsea. Now it is just two, which is a measure of the change."

Apart from Ronaldo finding his goalscoring boots again, Ferguson cites Dimitar Berbatov as the major reason for the change in fortune.

Often in his early weeks at United, the £30.75million signing from Tottenham was not on the same wavelength as his new team-mates.

All that has changed, Berbatov scoring four times in his last six games to prove he has adapted to life with the Red Devils.

"Players are understanding Dimitar now," said Ferguson.

"They are feeding him and playing to him much more.

"It took the players time to recognise his talents, because he is a different player to what we have been used to. Now they are realising it, and the benefits are there for all to see."

Ferguson reported no further injury concerns from the Baggies trip.

Following the return of Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown at The Hawthorns, the situation is getting slightly easier. Fabio is available tomorrow - while Nani, Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney should be fit for next Sunday's trip to West Ham.

Another victory for the Red Devils tonight will take them five points clear of nearest challengers Liverpool and Chelsea, who meet at Anfield tomorrow.

United's progress since they returned from Club World Cup action in Japan has hinted at an inevitability about a title hat-trick next May - which Ferguson refuses to get drawn into.

"The one thing that is inevitable about this league is that there will be shocks," he said.

"Football can kick you in the teeth, so the best way to handle it from our perspective is not to get carried away and not to make any predictions.

"By doing that, we can concentrate on each game and treat it seriously."

Nemanja Vidic will miss the first leg of Manchester United's Champions League tie with Inter Milan after being suspended for one match following his red card in the Club World Cup final.