Anton Ferdinand headed home in the 77th minute to level the score line before Matthew Upson powered another lethal header in the 82nd minute to seal a precious victory.

Ronaldo, who scored United's goal in the 14th minute, missed a penalty when United were one up.

United's tally froze on 45 points, one ahead of Arsenal, who play Everton later on the same day.

Elsewhere, Chelsea beat Newcastle 2-1 thanks to goals from Salomon Kalou and Michael Essien.

Ghana star Essien opened the scoring in the 29th minute when he converted Shaun Wright-Phillips' shot home.

Nicky Butt leveled 11 minutes after re-start but a debatable goal from Kalou secured the three points for Chelsea.

The Ivory Coast striker looked offside when a deflected shot fell into his path but the referee waved the play on.

He rounded Newcastle keeper Shay Given and poked the winner home.