'This Manchester United team might not have the Cristiano Ronaldo factor, but it does not understand the word defeat'

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed suggestions that his Manchester United side have lacked style since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ferguson was quick to defend his squad, who have been criticised by some for lacking an attacking edge, as they look to clinch a record 19th league title and a place in the Champions League final.

"This team might not have the Ronaldo factor, but it doesn't understand the word defeat," he told Inside United magazine.

"It's determined, gritty and very professional, and it's produced some great moments."

The Scot also noted the value of the experienced heads in his squad as the pressure of the run-in starts to build.

He said: "It's important to keep momentum going by winning games. That's vital. The likes of Ryan [Giggs], Rio [Ferdinand], Paul [Scholes] and Edwin [Van der Sar] have got enough experience to handle any situation that comes along."

The former Aberdeen manager was also keen to point out how close United came to trophies last season.

He said: "We only lost it by a point last year [the Premier League] it was not like the wheels came off and we collapsed. Bayern was a big blow. The consistency was there but we've got stronger this year."

source//goal.com