Team has not conceded a goal in the Premiership for 20 hours
Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he finds it hard to believe it is more than 20 hours since Manchester United last conceded a Premier League goal.
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It brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'we could have played all day and not got one' and is more remarkable because United tend to be known as one of the top flight's great entertainers.
But Ryan Giggs' superb second-half strike was enough for the Red Devils to record their sixth 1-0 win in eight outings since returning from their successful Club World Cup campaign and get Ferguson shaking his head.
"For Manchester United, over 20 hours without conceding a goal is extraordinary because normally we get scorelines like 4-3," said Ferguson.
"It is great credit to the players. I am very proud of them."
Although he suggested on Friday an element of caution had crept into his side the longer their defensive record has remained intact, Ferguson will not be too concerned as long as United remain top of the Barclays Premier League.
Edwin van der Sar has now claimed a British record for the longest amount of time without conceding a league goal, with the veteran Dutchman sure to keep the Red Devils defence on their toes when Fulham head to Old Trafford on February 18.
"The record is a great motivation for the players, particularly Edwin," said Ferguson.
"He has everyone jumping out of their skin at the moment."
Ferguson was also struggling to recollect the last time Giggs scored with his right foot.
He settled on 12 years ago 'against Coventry', although the tongue-in-cheek response emphasised the fact Giggs has now scored in every season the Premier League has been in operation.
The result keeps United two points ahead of their only realistic challengers Liverpool, with a game in hand, and it would be a surprise if they did not end the season level with their long-time north-west rivals on 18 championships.
Yet Ferguson is refusing to get carried away. Aston Villa may be five points adrift, with Chelsea and Arsenal even further behind. But the United manager is taking nothing for granted.
"Mistakes can be made," said the United boss.
"We had an 11-point lead over Arsenal in 1998 and lost the league, so we are not counting our chickens.
"We shouldn't either because this game can come and bite you. This is a fantastic result and performance. It is time to kick on."
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