The Manchester United defence is on course to achieve a club
record in terms of fewest goals conceded in a Premier League
campaign.
The Red Devils have so far conceded only 15 League goals - and
just five of those have been let in at Old Trafford.
Neighbours Manchester City scored twice at Old Trafford, but the
only other visiting teams to trouble the scoreboard have been
Everton, Derby, and United's opponents at The Riverside this
weekend, Middlesbrough.
That solid defensive platform has been as influential as their
attacking exploits in putting United five points clear at the top
of the Premier League.
However, Chelsea should retain their proud record, achieved in Jose
Mourinho's first season at Stamford Bridge - 2004-05 - when they
conceded just 15 goals throughout the campaign.
That broke Arsenal's previous Premier League record of conceding
only 17 goals in a League campaign (1998-99).
United's previous best defensive vrecord was in season 1997-98,
when they conceded 25 goals.
With six games to go, the Red Devils look likely to better that
performance, and that could be decisive in United retaining their
League title.