Red Devils rising

Given how things have gone in the last couple of months, David Moyes would be blinking hard to check that this is indeed light at the end of the tunnel.

Finally, it's looking good.

For 22 minutes last Saturday, Manchester United looked a devastating force of nature, as pitiful Fulham stood helplessly in their path.

When the Cottagers emerged from the storm, they had already been hit for three.

It could have been worse for Martin Jol's men, but for the need for United to play it cautious.

Wednesday morning (Singapore time), they take on Real Sociedad in a Champions League clash at the Estadio Anoeta.

Victory will allow the Red Devils to put one foot into the knock-out round.

It probably explains why they took their foot off the accelerator after they took a 3-0 lead against Fulham and allowed the hosts to grab a consolation goal in the second half.

But they have got momentum going, which is crucial following an uncertain start to the season that sapped them of their confidence.

They go into European battle on the back of four successive victories in all competitions.

TOUGH TEST

One more - it's always a tough test on Spanish soil - will hurl them across a psychological barrier and into territory where they can say with conviction that they have turned the corner.

But Moyes acknowledged the difficulty of the task, knowing full well that Spanish opposition has given United more grief than joy over the years.

A record of just two away wins in 21 matches against La Liga outfits should temper expectations, even if United are top of Group A and Sociedad bottom.

Without a single point from their first three group fixtures, Sociedad will exit the competition if they lose.

There are injury doubts for United to contend with as well, with Rafael da Silva, Tom Cleverley and Jonathan Evans all facing a race to be fit.

But there are enough positive signs for United to feel quietly optimistic.

Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, who netted a goal apiece, looked unstoppable up front against Fulham.

Budding star Adnan Januzaj is show-ing no sign of slowing down. Even the under-fire Antonio Valencia found the net at Craven Cottage.

Victory over Fulham gave them their first back-to-back Premiership wins this term.

CLOSE

For all their struggles, the Red Devils are now three points off second place in the league table, although leaders Arsenal are a further five points adrift.

The spring seems to be back in their step.

Now they are waiting for the swagger to return.

A morale-boosting win over Sociedad will put them firmly back on track.

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