Sir Alex Ferguson praises Manchester United team spirit

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United's spirit and unity are propelling the club towards the title.

United moved to within six games of a fifth championship in six seasons after a 2-0 win over QPR at Old Trafford.

And Ferguson is convinced his side's run of eight straight league wins is down to the fact his players have been at the club for some time.

The United manager said: "The unity and spirit you get when players stay together is now coming through."

Barring a dip in form, Ferguson is poised to secure the 13th top-flight title of his glittering Old Trafford reign.

United have won 11 of their last 12 league games, securing 34 points from a possible 36 in the process.

Ferguson took his players off on a golfing weekend to St Andrews recently in an attempt to ease the pressure on his players as the title race intensified.

United took part in some light training before playing some golf, a move Ferguson believes is now reaping rewards.

While Manchester City have conceded ground in the title race recently, United have gone strength to strength.

City manager Roberto Mancini recently revealed he could not trust striker Mario Balotelli, and jokingly remarked that he would have punched the Italian had he played in the same team as him.

Yet Ferguson believes the harmony inside Old Trafford's home dressing room is pushing United towards their target.

"That trip to St Andrews was fantastic," added the Scot after a controversial penalty by Wayne Rooney and a 25-yard finish by Paul Scholes secured victory over 10-man QPR on Sunday.

"The players have done really well."

However, Ferguson was not completely impressed by United's latest victory, achieved after QPR had captain Shaun Derry harshly sent off for a foul on Ashley Young, who was in an offside position, early in the game.

"I was a little bit disappointed after their man was sent off because it put us in the comfort zone," he said.

"We were too casual after that up to half-time."

Midfielder Scholes produced a man-of-the-match performance at the age of 37 and Ferguson added: "He's been terrific since he came back.

"He's showed that he has still got it and he's been an integral part of what we have done over the last few weeks."