Derby defeat was a wake up call, says Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Manchester Uniteds derby drubbing was the wake up call the Premier League championsneeded.

Unitedhave won five straight games in all competitions since the 6-1 humbling at the hands of City last month.

They have also kept five straight clean sheets during that run the most recent coming in the 1-0 win at Swansea.

It keeps them five points behind leaders City and has convinced Ferguson that his side have rediscovered the defensive solidity that has been the backbone of their success during his rein.

And while he admitted he was devastated by defeat to Roberto Mancinis men, Uniteds form since has helped ease that pain.

"It was a wake-up call so to now have the most number of clean sheets in the league is an added satisfaction," said Ferguson. "Over the years, our defence has been an integral part of our success.

"We knew Swansea are a good footballing team and keep the ball well so you have to be concentrating all the time and the concentration is exactly what we need back in the team because a couple of weeks ago there was a genuine criticism about the defending and chances opponents were getting.

"We had to make sure we defended well. We did that apart from the miss they had when Michael Carrick slipped up.

"Other than that, we were comfortable in our defending. It's a good result for us."

Javier Hernandez' 11th minute strike secured the three points at Swansea - but it could have been different had Scott Sinclair not wasted a glorious first half opportunity.

Still Swansea manager, Brendan Rodgers, believes United will push City all the way in the title race this season.

He said: "The Manchester United players are genuine winners! , it is their mentality to keep going until the end.

"They are experienced winners and they know what it takes. They will just keep chipping away.

"They knew that this was a difficult game for them but they have come out the other side with a victory.

"Manchester United will continue to chase, City have really come to the party but Manchester United will always be there."

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