John O'Shea hailed Manchester United's rearguard after last night's 1-0 victory over Wigan.

"It was a battling performance and a clean sheet at the end of it is a positive," he told MUTV. "We're proud of the record, but that's the basis for every successful season we've had.

"Keeping clean sheets is important, and we know there are plenty more important games to come. Tonight was difficult. Wigan are up there with ourselves in terms of form. Credit to them, they gave us a good game."

United got off to a flying start when Wayne Rooney scored inside the first minute, but the Reds failed to build on it.

"Sometimes that happens when you score an early goal," explained O'Shea. "It wakes the other team up to their task. Credit to Wigan, they played a high pressing game and they didn't allow us to get into our rhythm.'