Rio Ferdinand: Admits Manchester United have yet to hit top gear

The Red Devils made a disjointed start to life under new boss David Moyes, with the absence of Sir Alex Ferguson in the dugout leaving some to question their credentials as challengers for the top flight crown.

Slowly but surely, results have been pieced together at home and abroad, with United unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions.

Their next outing could be pivotal, though, as they welcome table-topping Arsenal to Old Trafford on Sunday.

The importance of that contest is not lost on Ferdinand, with the vastly-experienced centre-half looking for Moyes' men to show their true colours and close the gap on the early front-runners.

He said: "I don't think we've shown ourselves this season on a consistent basis, not just in the big games.

"It is time to start putting our foot on the pedal and motor on. We have to do that if we want to remain in contention to win the league.

"Arsenal are in a good vein of form. They are the team to catch. We have to make sure we are right and ready for the challenge.

"We have to win every game. It doesn't matter what game it is or whoever we play against. Whether it's a top of the league team or not, we have to get points. Nothing changes - we expect to win every game we play at home."

Ferdinand added: "The onus is on us. We've had a few bad results at Old Trafford this season already and we can't continue like that.

"People say we have to win this weekend against Arsenal, but it doesn't matter whether it is Cardiff or Swansea or whoever it is, we have to win."

Watch Manchester United v Arsenal on Super Sunday on Sky Sports 1HD, kicking off at 4.10pm