Skipper Salutes Team Ethic

Nemanja Vidic praised United's collective defending against Tottenham, after the Reds rode out a tricky opening period to keep Harry Redknapp's side at arm's length and post a crucial victory.

The Serbian headed United into the lead before Nani sealed the three points late on, but it was the calm, composed manner with which the Reds kept Spurs at bay which stood out at Old Trafford.

Rather than hog the limelight for his contribution at both ends, or single out central defensive partner Rio Ferdinand for special praise, skipper Vidic insisted on praising the diligence of the entire team.

"It's important for the team to keep a clean sheet," he told MUTV. "We lost so many goals at the beginning of the season which didn't really happen before.

"They're a good side. With the pressure in the first 20 minutes, they looked good. We left them so much room to play, we were a bit far from their players. After 20 minutes I think we settled and after that we controlled the game.

"Rio is an important player for us. He has experience, he has good abilities and this is nothing new. I think as a team we played well today, especially in the second half when we had the 1-0 lead. We defended together and it was not just about one or two men.

"The whole team did well and we got a clean sheet. We did well, we have the three points and hopefully now we win more games in a row, which will be important to catch Chelsea."