Fergie delighted with tough derby win

MANCHESTER, England: Sir Alex Ferguson claimed Manchester United's steely will-to-win could make the difference in the title race after his side's 1-0 victory at Manchester City.

United played the final 22 minutes down to 10 men at Eastlands after Cristiano Ronaldo's red card for deliberate handball, but the champions held firm to keep the pressure on Chelsea and Liverpool.

After dominating for long periods and finally taking the lead through Wayne Rooney's 42nd minute strike, United had to endure a nervous finale and Ferguson was impressed with the way they keep their focus.