Sir Alex Ferguson has refuted any suggestion that Manchester United have so far underachieved during the start of the 2011/2012 campaign.

The Red Devils are currently five points adrift of rivals Manchester City in the Premier League title race and only two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, who sit in third place with a game in hand.

The Scot's side have also stumbled through the Champions League group stage and need to avoid defeat away to FC Basel to get through to the last 16. It has been suggested that his young squad is struggling with the pressure and injury setbacks.

"People say we are not doing well but we are second in the league and we are at a stage where we could be qualifying for the next phase of the Champions League," Ferguson said.

"Look at the number of big games these players play in. Every year for the last few years they have been involved in finals and semi-finals and quarter-finals and big games in the Premier League.

"We have a strong squad and that squad will see us through without question."

Manchester United play FC Basel in Switzerland tonight.