Dimitar Berbatov was full of praise for Manchester United's defence after their victory at Porto.

Rio Ferdinand has missed the last three of the five matches United had not kept a clean sheet, with Nemanja Vidic not completing the other two, having been suspended for the defeat at Fulham following his dismissal against Liverpool.

But, so tight were United at the back, Porto barely created a chance of note, with Berbatov among those leading the praise.

"Our defence is incredible," he said.

"They have been tremendous for us all season and deserve so much credit for their performances.

"The major reason we are in the position we are at the moment is because of our defenders and I want to thank them."