Former Chelsea defender Scott Minto admits Manchester United were the better team for Sunday's clash at Stamford Bridge.

Blues captain John Terry nodded home the winner 13 minutes from time to send Chelsea five points clear at the top of the table.

Minto told TalkSport: "I thought United, if anything, were probably just the better side. I've seen Chelsea a lot this season and they've been excellent and I didn't think they were particularly great yesterday. However, when you play against the top sides, I thought Fergie (Sir Alex Ferguson) did get his tactics spot on. It's very difficult if the midfield is sort of snuffed out which they were and then you've got Ashley Cole who was pinned back.

"We know that he loves to get forward and of course (Jose) Bosingwa wasn't playing on the other side. (Branislav) Ivanovic is a very good defender but he's not one of the best attacking full-backs so I think it was one of those where if you are not going to play well, first of all make sure you don't lose and I actually thought it had 0-0 written all over it.

"But then of course if you can go on and win the game then it's fantastic and to be five points ahead of Arsenal - I know Arsenal have got a game in hand now, but five points ahead of Manchester United as well, I think at this stage of the season is wonderful for Chelsea."