Sir Alex Ferguson has played down talk that Manchester United have what it takes to win four more trophies this season, insisting that the quadruple is not a "realistic" target.

The English champions are still in contention to defend their Premier League title and are also challenging for more silverware.

Derby County await Manchester United in the semi-finals of the League Cup, Inter are last-16 opponents in the Champions League and United start out in the FA Cup against Southampton next weekend.

Yesterday week, United added the FIFA Club World Cup to their array of honours after a 1-0 win over South American champions LDU Quito in the final, but Ferguson is not getting carried away by dreams of a further four trophies this season.

"To win one major trophy is unusual (in mid-season) but nice all the time," Ferguson was quoted as saying.

"But there is no chance of winning all four competitions we are left in this season.

"It is appetising and we will have that opportunity if we are still in them all come March and April, but it is not realistic.

"I won't be making any ridiculous statements about winning the lot.

"We would have to be very lucky in terms of everyone still being fit and we have got a job to do in the league.

"Our start has been very difficult. Every game we have had after a European match has been away from home.

"And when we came back from Japan we were away again at Stoke on Boxing Day.

"We have also had away games against all the top sides. So our start has been satisfactory, but not perfect at the moment.

"We are in a very competitive league, but we still have a good chance of keeping our league title."

Third-placed Manchester United host Middlesbrough in a Premier League match tonight at Old Trafford.