Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with his defence for their crucial win at Tottenham.

The home side dominated the opening period but found themselves 1-0 down after Wayne Rooney broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time.

Ashley Young's second half brace sealed the win which ensured the Reds kept up the pressure on leaders Manchester City and brought to a pleasing end an extremely tough run of fixtures.

"It was a massive performance from our defenders," Ferguson told MUTV. "Tottenham are a very good team - you have to consider that. That was only their second defeat at home since the start of the season.

"Scoring right on half-time was probably our first strike at goal. It was a nice finish from Wayne but a real killer for Tottenham. They were probably sat in the dressing room wondering how they were 1-0 down because they'd played ever so well.

"Their form at home has been absolutely fantastic so it was a massive result."