It's fair to say that United's defensive frailties are to blame for some below-par results of late, and with Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, Quinton Fortune and Mikael Silvestre all missing games recently, the media spotlight has been shining on a makeshift Red Devils backline that has looked fragile at time.

However, despite the defensive problems Ferguson has urged United fans not to get on the back of the defenders and not to over-react about any mistakes. Supporters on the Old Trafford terraces have been conscience of errors from the defence, but Sir Alex has insisted there is nothing to wrong and the defence is improving.

"Whenever anyone makes a mistake in the back four the crowd are making the players nervous." said the Scotsman.

"We have always made mistakes at the back because the players always try to play football out of the back four.

"We just need our supporters to calm down a bit because I thought the general defending was very good."

The statistics do show there is a dip in form of the defence. United haven't kept a clean sheet in the Premiership since January 11th, and we have leaked 15 goals in the last 8 matches. Teams are also coming to Old Trafford with more confidence of scoring, and as we saw with Fulham, a more attacking minded game was played. The return of Gary Neville, Mikael Silvestre and Quinton Fortune over the next week or so will be a boost, but there is little doubt that there is room for improvement at the back.

Do you echo the words of Sir Alex? Are United supporters being too harsh on the defence? Is there cause for concern? Leave your opinions and thoughts on the ManUtdWeb messageboard.

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