The two teams “hardest to beat” in the Premier League went head to head at Old Trafford; Manchester United won with a Dimitar Berbatov brace as an early onslaught never materialised into the goals it threatened, to stay two points clear of Manchester City having played 2 games fewer – and, significantly, 5 and 6 points ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea respectively with the London clubs set to face off against each other tomorrow.

Sunderland 0-0 Manchester United

Another away game, another two points dropped. Manchester United were held to a 0-0 score at Sunderland at the Stadium of Light – Sunderland’s form this season means that the result is far from a disgrace, but the manner in which the game played out (with United arguably lucky to escape with even a point) has presented a new headache as further ground is likely to be surrendered at the top to champions Chelsea, even if for now the gap has been closed by the point gained.

Nani’s expertly hit drive just before the half hour kept alive Manchester United’s slim hopes of retaining the Premier League. Sunderland at the Stadium of Light were formidable opponents with one of the best home records in the league, but United were able to overcome a physical battle on the pitch and the psychological blow of the most unprofessional of surrenders up the M62 to push the most unpredictable top of the table merry go round in modern memory right the way to the last game.