Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed a team bonding trip to St Andrews as the reason why Manchester United have swung the title race in their favour.

The Red Devils visited the famous Scottish golf course last month and the 70-year-old believes that the trip has solidified the unity within the squad.

"They've done well, the lads. The little trip we had to St Andrews was fantastic," The Sun quotes Ferguson as saying. "I didn't play and I'm glad because there are some bandits at our club. There's no chance you can win.

"The players loved it. On the Friday about half a dozen of them had nine holes. It helped with the unity of the players — it was a good moment for us. It makes you realise when players stay together, they become a team very easily."

Manchester United are currently eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City.