UNITED are back, chanted the fans, as relief flooded Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

A bit premature, perhaps, but it showed the nervy disposition of Reds at the moment.

That Champions League victory over Boavista has settled the constitution of many choking on a recent run of appalling results.

Still it could be worse. You could be a Chelsea fan. What must manager Claudio Ranieri think of his supporters?

A fortnight ago they booed his team from the pitch at Stamford Bridge after a goalless draw with Blackburn.

Then in the space of a few days they won 2-0 at Elland Road, and utterly demoralised United in last weekend's Sky TV showdown.

Then came a shock 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Charlton on Wednesday which provoked more cries of derision.

United fans have had less reason than most to suffer the downside of this fickle game of ours in recent years. But although they left early in their thousands last Sunday there was no vocal disatisfaction with the players or manager.

Indeed, Sir Alex was treated to a resounding ovation by the singing section of the Stretford End (sorry, West Stand Upper).

Wednesday's victory has given him a comfortable platform to concentrate on the Premiership, instead of Europe, during the winter break.

Nobody is suddenly expecting sparks to fly, but a gentle move into a slightly higher gear in the next couple of months would not go amiss.