The best form of attack is defence

Ten goals. That is the sum total that we have conceded in the league so far this season, 23 games in. That is a truly outstanding record considering the defensive issues we have had to face, starting with the loss of break up man Hargreaves and spiralling downwards from there. We have seen the blossoming of Rafael Da Silva and Jonny Evans into players who can hold their own at the very top. The fact that they are aged 18 and 21 respectively goes to show just how astonishing that is. We can also factor in the appearance of Rafael's brother, Fabio, who has looked the better player in the younger teams since their arrival at Old Trafford from Fluminense, where they never made a first team appearance.

Nemanja Vidic has been the rock that everything has been built around, which is huge credit to a man who looked off his game at the start of the season, indeed to the point where I was asking for the inclusion of Evans ahead of the Serb. As Rio's back problems flared up, Vidic took on the role of main man with aplomb and has turned in gargantuan performances time after time.

Between the sticks we have the much maligned (from our rivals, mostly) Edwin Van Der Sar, who is apparently past it and a weak link. I don't think that really needs much input from me as the statistics speak for themselves at this point. Twelve league games. 1,122 minutes. The benefits of having a presence like Van Der Sar are so much more than basic goalkeeping ability. He is a natural, albeit calmer, successor to Peter Schmeichel and Ferguson knows he is the keeper he should have moved earth for in 1999 when the Great Dane decided to find new challenges. The Dutchman commands his area, organises his back four fantastically and always seems to pick the best time to reassure or to berate. The fact that he is also a great shot stopper is overlooked by far too many. I, for one, certainly wouldn't replace him with anyone else in the league at the moment.

In the coming weeks we can look forward to the return of Rafael, Fabio, Evra, Evans and also to relative old hands like Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown coming back to full fitness. This kind of competition for places should only serve to sharpen the focus at Old Trafford, and while we will surely concede soon in the league, we can be fairly certain it won't be too often between now and the end of the season.

In a team where most of the focus lies on Ronaldo, Berbatov, Tevez and Rooney, we will have the defensive contingent to thank should we go on to lift the title this year. While the forwards have often struggled to finish teams off, grinding out so many 1-0 victories, the back line have been steadfast and resolute. Don't think this hasn't been noticed, there is a real camaraderie at Old Trafford that I don't see in other teams at present, with Aston Villa the only exception, at the top of the league. This could prove so vital to proceedings.

I'll say it one more time. Ten goals.