Michael Carrick has sent out a warning to Manchester United's Premier League title rivals, claiming they can still raise their game. Alex Ferguson's league leaders have amassed 27 points from a possible 30 following the 2-0 victory against Portsmouth on Wednesday night.
The only blip in this marvellous run came at Upton Park last month when West Ham clinched a narrow win.
United have been unstoppable in January chalking up four straight league victories, scoring 11 goals in the process and conceding only one.
Next up are Tottenham tomorrow and Carrick, who had a spell at White Hart Lane, is anxious for United to maintain their momentum. "There is still room for improvement as there are parts of your game you hope to develop," said the midfielder. "We are never satisfied because we want to be successful in everything we do."
United are firmly focused on retaining the Premier League title they reclaimed from Chelsea last year and the treble of league, FA Cup and Champions League remains a tantalising possibility.
Carrick insists they have the experience to cope when the pressure builds in the coming months.
He said: "When you are at club like United you expect to be pushing for the title and trophies.
"We know what it takes as we won it last season, so that helps us."
With 27-goal Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez to call on, United are a huge threat going forward. Not only that summer signings Nani and Anderson already look comfortable in the Old Trafford hot-house and give them another attacking option from midfield.
If that was not enough, Paul Scholes has returned to the side three months after a knee operation. It is little wonder Carrick is playing with a smile on his face.
He said: "Paul is a top player. He has fitted in as if he has never been away. I love playing alongside him, just as I do with the other lads. You have to enjoy playing with the best players in the world when you are at the top of your game."
Meanwhile, Michael Ballack has pinpointed Chelsea's home fixtures with Arsenal and Manchester United as the dates to close in on the Premier League title and he believes his team's apparent invincibility at Stamford Bridge will prove decisive.
The Germany captain scored the winner against Reading on Wednesday night as Chelsea made it 75 league matches without defeat in front of their own supporters. Their last reverse was against Arsenal on February 21st, 2004. The 1-0 defeat of Reading was their fifth straight win in the league and ninth in succession in all competitions. If Chelsea win at Portsmouth tomorrow, the 10 will be a record.
Arsenal visit Stamford Bridge on March 23rd, United on April 26th and Ballack, whose team trail both by four points, feels that the momentum they have, despite injuries and absentees due to the African Cup of Nations, will be decisive.
"The big teams are coming up in the next few months, it's very close, all the teams are playing well and this year may be decided in the big games," said Ballack.
"Even if we win the games, we'd still be one point behind, that's what the table shows now, but yes, the title could be decided at Stamford Bridge because we still have to play United and Arsenal. When the games come, we will be ready. Important players will be back, so we are looking forward to these games.
"I think Stamford Bridge is like a fortress. Everybody believes in their own stadium and we do, too, especially when you see our record. It shows the strength of the squad and the team and also the mentality, that we have a strong spirit."
Chelsea have lost only twice under Avram Grant, at United and Arsenal in the league. They went down 2-0 at Old Trafford in Grant's first game and fell to the only goal at the Emirates Stadium. "If you saw the games, they were very close," said Ballack. "They were away games and in these big games you always have a little advantage when you play at home. We should use this to our advantage."
