POWERS OF RESISTANCE

There is a shady secret at Old Trafford. It is no disgrace, but Manchester United would prefer it if word did not get around. After all, they have their reputation to think of as the devil-take-the-hindmost club.

They carry that image as the heritage of all the flamboyant decades. Yet they remain the English side most likely to profit in the Champions League for particularly unexpected reasons. The United players know how to defend.

That could pass for a misconception after the 5-3 win over Newcastle on Saturday. All of the scolding, though, applies purely to the Premiership.

United continue to be the side best equipped to win the Champions League because of their powers of resistance. A comparison of the statistics for the group phases in the past two seasons leads to surprising conclusions. Over that stretch of 24 fixtures since the late summer of 2000 they have conceded only 19 goals.

Ferguson has joined those who ask whether the attritition of the Premiership has worn down players who have been in United's service for so many gruelling years. It is possible, however, that the same men, as a corollary of that, are now psychologically suited to rising to the prestigious occasions that continue to excite them.

United's long-term consistency in the competition, however, demonstrates that defence is not always about defenders, and the injury to Blanc should not incapacitate them. They avoid putting themselves at risk by judging where and when to go on the attack, particularly when Roy Keane is around to govern proceedings.

With their bank of knowledge the team have the means to flourish. It is of some help, too, that they also happen to be in the puniest group.