Ryan Giggs believes having Edwin van der Sar as the last line of defence breeds confidence throughout the Manchester United team.
The veteran Holland international was in superb form in the 1-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Sporting Lisbon, making superb stops from Liedson and Tonel.
He even edged goalscorer and returning Sporting hero Cristiano Ronaldo for the man of the match honours.
And Giggs admits such displays are now almost expected of the former Ajax and Fulham goalkeeper.
"Edwin didn't put a foot wrong," said Giggs.
"He could quite easily have spilled some of the shots he had to save because the pitch was quite bumpy. But he made it look quite easy.
"He has a calming effect on the whole team because he doesn't make that many mistakes. He has been doing it for so long now, you take it for granted."
And Giggs believes United's defensive solidity can help them in their quest for silverware at home and abroad.
Four successive 1-0 victories demonstrate a greater resilience, but concerns remain over the Red Devils' relative lack of goals.
"Defensively, we were very good," Giggs said.
"We all know how important it is to keep clean sheets because with the amount of talent in this team, we will create chances.
"All we need to do is get that last pass, or that last decision right but we know the goals will come."