Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed claims that the reigning Premier League champions are a dirty outfit.

United are slowly but surely gathering pace in all competitions following a slow start to the season, a gathering momentum that has seen the Red Devils collect 15 cautions and one red card.

A grant total of seven United players were shown a yellow card by referee Mike Riley at Chelsea a fortnight ago, while defender Nemanja Vidic was given his marching orders against Liverpool at Anfield.

Despite the damning statistics, Ferguson believes the card tally merely shows how tough United's away matches have been.

"We've had two of our toughest away games in a row, at Liverpool and Chelsea," Ferguson told the Daily Mirror.

"It's very difficult for a referee at Liverpool, as we all know.

"And if you analyse the Chelsea game there wasn't a bad tackle in the match.

"So I've no problem with the discipline of my team, none at all. We always try to play our football, play the right way and that's the way we will continue."

Manchester United continue their Premier League campaign at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.