Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick concedes that the Red Devils struggled with their form against Swansea City but thinks that the Premier League holders should be judged on their spot in the table at Christmas.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side claimed three points against the Swans with a narrow 1-0 win on Saturday.
"We were not at our best and the football wasn't as fluent or easy on the eye as it could have been," said Carrick. "But we are happy to have won and to have got the three points.
"It's about grafting, sticking together and showing a lot of character. Judge where we are by Christmas and we'll kick on from there."
United continue with their European campaign with a Champions League match against Benfica tomorrow.
