Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United's defense of their Premier-ship title is set to move up a gear as this summer's new signings settle into the side.
United travel to Premiership newcomers Leicester today having taken only four points from their last three league games.
The early season stutter has increased the scrutiny of United's new boys and led some to question the wisdom of Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to offload David Beckham and Juan Sebastian Veron in the summer.
But Ferdinand is confident United will get stronger as the season wears on.
"Against Arsenal [on Sunday] we were the team that looked more likely to win the game, and obviously before that we beat Panathinaikos 5-0 [in the Champions League] so were in good shape at the moment," he said.
"Weve got a few new players who are still becoming accustomed to the Premiership. But the longer they are here the better it will be for United."
With Leicester handicapped by an injury crisis which could deprive Micky Adams of virtually his entire first team line-up, United will be confident of taking all three points at the Walkers' stadium, where three of their five summer signings are likely to be on show.
Tim Howard has established himself as the first choice goalkeeper ahead of Fabien Barthez, teenage winger Cristiano Ronaldo is set for an extended run in the side as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recovers from knee surgery and midfielder Eric Djemba Djemba is also pushing for a regular starting role.
Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson remains sidelined with a dislocated shoulder while French winger David Bellion is regarded as a back-up player by Ferguson.
United old boy Veron meanwhile is revelling in his new life at Chelsea and is confident that the expensive collection of talent funded by Roman Abramovich's millions has the makings of a title-winning squad.
Chelsea have dropped only two points so far, but the Argentinian midfielder believes their performances have still left room for improvement.
"I think we can play much better than we have until now," he said. "Luckily for us the results are still going the way we want."
Veron missed last weekend's 5-0 thrashing of Wolves but is in line to return to the side for today's visit of Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge.
Villa are hoping England striker Darius Vassell, on the comeback trail after surgery on his pelvis, will be fit enough to start the match alongside Juan Pablo Angel.
Birmingham and Fulham, who meet at St. Andrews, will both be looking to bounce back from shock League Cup defeats by, respectively, second division Blackpool and first division leaders Wigan.
Birmingham boss Steve Bruce, who is expected to axe misfiring strikers Clinton Morrison and Stern John, has warned his players there must be no repeat of Tuesday's sloppy display.
"We have made a good start to the season and need to look at this as a blip but if we do not take our chances we are not going to win matches."
Bolton entertain Wolves and Middlesbrough travel to Southampton in today's other two matches.
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