Premiership: Keane hails United defence

Roy Keane believes Manchester United's rejuvenated title charge is down to improved defending.

Ruud van Nistelrooy and Paul Scholes (2) netted in the 3-1 defeat of Newcastle - United's sixth straight win and a result which moves them up to second in the Premiership.

"We've done well over last month or so - but we've said all along there's a long way to go," Keane said.

"We've had a bad run and hopefully that's behind us now."

He continued: "We've not given away any daft goals in the last month or so.

"Our concentration levels are better, we've had a settled back four and the whole team have gelled better.

"We knew we had to not give away unbelievably bad goals and we've cut that out. We'll always create chances and score goals.

"Our confidence was never that bad - we knew our performance were disappointing and we needed to be there or thereabouts at Christmas.

"The trophy is given out in May and hopefully we'll be there or thereabouts then.

"When they (Newcastle) pulled one back, we knew the last 10-15 minutes would be hard tonight - but we held on."

Alex Ferguson said: "It wasn't a game anyone dominated.

"We had good moments and Newcastle played their part - but we can play a bit better.

"We produced some fantastic moments. The goals were marvellous and we have to be pleased with that."