Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson can't explain their slipshod defending this season.

With the season at the halfway point, the Red Devils have conceded 28 goals already.

That is 12 more than nearest rivals and 'noisy neighbours' Manchester City, although the reigning champions are seven points behind Fergie's lads.

The Old Trafford chief said: "One-nil wins seem to be against the law. That should be in the referee's rule book, too. I can't answer it, I can't possibly answer it.

"We have analysed it to every possible detail to try and get a constant thread that tells me how to do this. It just doesn't appear.

"It is either don't attack at all - which is not going to be Manchester United - or let our supporters live through the agony of 4-3s.

"We've not had a 5-4 yet or a 6-5. I think that could be more exciting."