Rio Ferdinand pleased with Man United’s defensive stability

Rio Ferdinand has expressed his satisfaction at Manchester United’s improved defensive record in recent weeks.

The Red Devils are on an impressive run of six clean sheets in the Premier League heading into Monday’s derby clash with Manchester City at Old Trafford.

United shipped 14 goals in their first 10 league games of the season as they struggled to shut out the opposition.

But Ferdinand believes their 15-point lead at the top of the Premier League table has been thanks to a solid rearguard over the last few months.

“We feel more solid as a team,” Ferdinand, 34, told United’s website.

“At the beginning of the season we were playing open, expansive football, which I am sure was good for the fans to watch but, being a defender, my first instinct is to defend and keep clean sheets. We weren’t able to do that.

“We addressed it. That is the most pleasing point. Now we are benefitting from it.”