Patrice Evra has warned Manchester United's critics to wait until the end of the season before jumping to conclusions about them.
United head to Tottenham on Sunday seven points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal following the disappointing draw at Cardiff last weekend.
Yet they do so buoyed by an amazing Champions League performance in midweek when they slammed five goals past Bayer Leverkusen without reply in what David Moyes described as the best display since he took charge.
It has given those who feel the Red Devils will struggle without Sir Alex Ferguson some food for thought and Evra underlined what United are capable of.
"People always write Manchester United off," he said.
"They said the same things last year. In the end we won the league by 13 points.
"Wait until the end of the season.
"We are strong. We have mentally strong characters.
"Every year is a challenge playing for Manchester United. It is never easy because when you put that shirt (on) you have the story of the club to consider.
"We have to show we love this club."
A veteran of five Premier League title-winning campaigns, Evra's hunger for honours remains strong.
The 32-year-old takes comfort from the knowledge that despite winning only half of their Premier League games so far this season, only Arsenal have shown the consistency expected of title contenders.
"If you calculate it, we drew against Southampton and Cardiff and were beaten at home by West Brom. If we had won those matches we would be top of the league," he said.
"That is why we are frustrated and upset.
"Of course others haven't taken advantage but I only look at Manchester United.
"It doesn't matter that other teams have dropped points. The most important thing is that Manchester United don't."
Moyes now faces a tricky selection dilemma.
Marouane Fellaini will certainly be available after suspension, whilst prior to the win in Germany, Moyes spoke optimistically about the speed Nemanja Vidic and Robin van Persie will be available for first-team duties after recent fitness issues.
Leaving anyone out after recording a winning margin bettered by United only once in a European away game in their entire history would be harsh though.
However, the big call would be whether to recall Van Persie should the Dutchman be available.
For all his outstanding form last year, Van Persie has not reached the same level this term and both Wayne Rooney and Shinji Kagawa excelled at the Bay Arena, leading to a school of thought Moyes would be better leaving things as they are for now.
Source: PA
