Ferguson praises United's team spirit

London: Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the endurance of his Manchester United team after the late goals that earned them a 2-0 win at Blackburn Rovers and put them five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table on Monday night.

The victory confirms United as strong favourites for a record 20th league title on the back of a ten-point swing over the past month.

They were indebted at times to David de Gea's goalkeeping before Antonio Valencia, the game's outstanding performer, scored with a stunning 81st-minute shot. Substitute Ashley Young added the second five minutes later, in keeping with Ferguson's claim that no other team scores so many late, decisive goals.

"It was a long night, we had to persevere and persevere and we got our reward in the end, but I have to admit that I thought for a long time it wouldn't come because we didn't make many clear-cut chances," Ferguson said. "That goal [from Valencia] is so important and it perhaps typifies the history of this club that we kept going and got our reward in the end.

"Scoring so late, it's typical of us, our history. We never stop trying, there's no question about that. It could be a very important moment."

Ferguson deliberately avoided talking more about where it leaves the title race, but the fist-pumping victory salute from United's manager felt telling and the bookmakers have them at 1-8 to win the 13th championship of his 26 years in charge.

Their next three games are against Queens Park Rangers, Wigan Athletic and Aston Villa, all currently in the bottom six, before Everton visit Old Trafford, where they have not won for 20 years. After that it is the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on April 30.

‘Big performance'

United are on a run of seven victories on the bounce and, if they keep that going until their meeting with City, they could even afford to lose against their neighbours and still win the league.

"It was a big performance from us because Blackburn possess a great threat," Ferguson said.