Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes his side have taken a massive step towards retaining their Premier League title following a 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield.

And Ferguson has acknowledged the importance of the win, which takes United nine points clear of Liverpool, and insists his side deserved the victory.

"It's a good result that's for sure," Ferguson told Sky Sports 1. "It's a marvellous day for us. A good result and a good team performance.

"We had to show a lot of discipline, but in terms of playing football we were the better team.

"It was a typical United-Liverpool game. The crowd create such verve and flowing football is not an issue.

"It is about winning the game and certainly the moments when we did play football in the first half we were the better team.

"I said before the game that the games between the top sides were going to be important this year and that was an important win for us."

And Ferguson believes his side are well on track for a title defence.

"At the moment we are top and we hope to stay there at the end of the day, but it is going to be a long struggle and fight through the season," he added.

"I've always said about December if we get to New Year's Day and if we can be top or just about there then we have an outstanding chance of retaining the title."