Ferguson plays down hype over Manchester United's flying start

Youngsters such as Tom Cleverley (left) have contributed to United's strong start

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has said it is too early in the season to get carried away with the impressive form of his young side.

A team including youngsters such as Chris Smalling, Tom Cleverley and Phil Jones have begun the season with four consecutive Premier League victories.

"The quality of our play has been superb, but it's a young squad and you can't judge a team after four games."

"Hopefully they'll become one of our best teams," he added.

Expectations have soared following the 8-2 thrashing of title rivals Arsenal last month and Saturday's 5-0 win over Bolton, but Ferguson believes it is too early to assess his team's worth.

"Obviously there'll be a time when their [young players] form tapers off, so I hope the experienced players will then step in and add to the great start to the season we have had."

The Scot was speaking ahead of United's Group C Champions League opener against Benfica on Wednesday.

He also revealed that captain Nemanja Vidic was "around two weeks" away from making a comeback from his calf injury, but that he had faith in his squad's ability to compete on several fronts, despite the inevitable injury setbacks.

"The season really starts when the Champions League comes around," said Ferguson. "You have games on Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday all the time.

"We're coming to a period where we have a game tomorrow [Wednesday] and then Chelsea on Sunday, then Leeds [in the Carling Cup] on the Tuesday and then Stoke away on the Saturday.

"The squad will obviously be used."