Ryan Giggs netted the only goal in a 1-0 victory at Upton Park on Sunday as United recorded their 13th successive Premier League clean sheet to take the veteran Dutchman's record to 1,212 minutes without conceding a goal.

"It's down to hard work from everybody," van der Sar said on Sky Sports 1. "Of course you make a couple of saves but the defenders are incredible. Everybody tracks back and it's a team effort.

"It's fantastic and I'm very happy with it, but the main thing is we're back on top - let's hope we can stay there."

Man-of-the-match Giggs struck his first league goal of the campaign but was quick to praise his defenders.

He said: "We're not giving much away at the back and we know we've got players to create chances - Edwin and the lads at the back have been brilliant - but I'm glad to score the winning goal."

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola added: "It's a good sign that it's been a close game - our goalkeeper (Robert Green) made only one save.

"But that's the difference when you play the best team in the world -make one mistake and it's costly.

"I'm very happy with the performance from my players - Manchester United defended very well.

"We had problems on the sides sometimes but a big advantage in the middle with more players.

"I don't just see the defeat, I see the way the team played. We stood up to the best team in the world and played as well as them.''