Fergie - We're not dirty

Ferguson: Happy with discipline

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Sir Alex Ferguson has rejected claims his Manchester United side have been dirty this season, despite a disciplinary record that points to the contrary.

While United normally steer clear of the only table they do not want to top, this term has seen them pick up 15 yellow cards and one red.

Seven of their players were booked at Chelsea a fortnight ago and Nemanja Vidic's red card came at Anfield, but Ferguson claims the unwelcome stats are down to tough away days rather than ill-discipline.

"We've had two of our toughest away games in a row, at Liverpool and Chelsea," Ferguson said in the Daily Mirror.

"It's very difficult for a referee at Liverpool, as we all know.

Away day blues

"And if you analyse the Chelsea game there wasn't a bad tackle in the match.

"So I've no problem with the discipline of my team, none at all. We always try to play our football, play the right way and that's the way we will continue."

In other United news, Ferguson has offered words of encouragement to injured goalkeeper Ben Foster.

The highly-promising custodian is currently sidelined after undergoing ankle surgery last month but his manager has urged him to draw inspiration from Gary Neville, who this season has returned from an injury that kept him out of action for 15 months.

Neville inspiration

"Ben is the most talented young keeper we have had for a long time and what the boy needs now is a slice of luck," Ferguson added.

"But if he feels the fates are against him he should look at Gary Neville.

"When you consider the fact he has been plagued with injuries, he's done brilliantly to come back so convincingly.

"He is a role model for any player feeling down on his luck with injury."