Villas-Boas heaps praise on Man United

United have scored 18 goals and conceded three in picking up maximum points from their first four games with local rivals Manchester City having an almost identical record albeit having scored three goals fewer.

"It's for all of us to praise when any team in the world starts a league like that," Villas-Boas told a televised new conference as he prepared to cross swords with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson - who is more than twice his age - for the first time.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1