Ryan Giggs netted the only goal as United recorded their 13th successive Barclays 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."

Sir Alex Ferguson believed the Upton Park cauldron required his most experienced side and he was thrilled as United returned to the top of the table.

"We felt today, knowing the history at West Ham - it's always been a difficult ground for us - we should have the most experienced players on the pitch," Ferguson told Sky Sports 1.

"Ryan and Paul Scholes have been here so many times and know exactly what it is you need. Michael Carrick, Carlos Tevez and Rio Ferdinand are former players here, that also helps to handle the atmosphere.

"We've beaten a very good team today."

Ferguson maintains his side's attacking endeavour remains, despite their scrooge-like defensive qualities.

"Clean sheets is going to be a topic but it doesn't change the emphasis on our game," he added. "Today we've played some fantastic possession football.

"What the back four are doing is focusing and concentrating on their jobs. They've got pace, they're quick and, of course, we've got a goalkeeper like Edwin van der Sar who is just a fantastic goalkeeper.

"I'm proud for Edwin. At his age he has achieved everything, but you can see the way he is motivated by the challenge of the clean sheets and it's an extra edge."

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola added on Sky Sports News: "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."