Van der Sar... 1,032 minutes without conceding a goal

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar set a new English top-flight record for clean sheets when the champions crushed West Brom 5-0 at the Hawthorns on Tuesday.

The Dutchman has gone 1,032 minutes without having to pick the ball out of his net in the Premier League, beating the previous record of 1,025 set by Chelsea's Petr Cech in 2004-05.

"The most important thing is the win, but, of course, it is great for the team to get the record. I just needed to keep the concentration levels high and fire up the defenders and midfielders," Van der Sar told BBC Radio Five Live.

"When I saw 85 minutes on the clock I was happy but the most important thing was that we got the three points."

In keeping an 11th consecutive league clean sheet, the 38-year-old Van der Sar also helped United set a new top-flight record, edging past the 10 in a row racked up by Chelsea in the same season.

The last time United's defence was breached in the league was in the 48th minute of their 2-1 defeat by Arsenal when Samir Nasri scored and manager Alex Ferguson paid tribute to his injury-hit back line.

"I am proud of them. They have been fantastic in this run," Ferguson said.

"Edwin van der Sar has had a fantastic career, but he was really pleased to get this record.

"You look at him and what happened has really thrilled him."

Van der Sar celebrated with a raised fist at the end but his hopes of edging past Cech were nearly ended early in the second half when West Brom's Ryan Donk struck the woodwork.

Shrinking injury list

United's miserly defensive record is all the more impressive considering they have been without the likes of England's Rio Ferdinand and Frenchman Patrice Evra in recent weeks.

However, United's buoyant mood improved further yesterday with confirmation that their lengthy injury list is shrinking rapidly.

Central defender Ferdinand returned on Tuesday after a back injury.

Midfielder Park Ji-sung and defender Wes Brown also played at the Hawthorns and Ferguson hopes to have further reinforcements for Saturday's match against Everton with left-back Evra and midfielder Nani are expected to be fit.

"Things are looking up and players are starting to come back," Ferguson said.

"Patrice may have a chance for Saturday against Everton. If the game had still been on Monday I'd say he'll definitely play. But he's still got a chance of making it. Nani should also be fit for Saturday as well."

Striker Wayne Rooney is still recovering from a hamstring and Jonny Evans, Rafael, Fabio and Anderson are also sidelined.

"Wayne has never had a hamstring injury before and there is no way we will bring him back early," Ferguson said.

United's home clash with Everton was brought forward to Saturday because the visitors are involved in an FA Cup replay against Liverpool next week.