Sir Alex Ferguson reckons United's veteran trio - Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes - will lead his team to another title triumph.

The Old Trafford boss pointed to the trio's experience and composure under pressure as key ingredients for a successful Premier League defence.

He praised Giggs, 35, Scholes, 34, and Neville, 33, for their part in helping United pick up maximum points over Christmas.

And Ferguson predicted they would become even more influential in the second half of the season.

Fergie said: "It's been a marvellous year for this club. Four trophies in a year, including the Community Shield and this team will win more - because they are young.

"And what really helps them is the experience of Giggs, Scholes and Neville.

"Between them they did not make a mistake at Stoke on Boxing Day. They are showing the rest of the players how you win titles.

"And against Middlesbrough, Neville, Scholes and Giggs came on and they made a difference. And it is that experience that will help us. We've got the right players, we've got the right atmosphere about the place and the spirit is good."