The Portuguese ace rose high connecting with Ryan Giggs free kick to open the score in the 34th minute of the game.

Sixty seconds later, Rovers were in front of a mountain to climb as the 21-year old flamboyant winger hit them on the counter attack after being sent clear by a magical assist from Carlos Tevez.

It could only become worse for Blackurn's manager Mark Hughes as defender David Dunn was shown the red card eight minutes after the break ending any hopes for a comeback.

However, they were able to prevent the hosts from scoring any more goals and keep the score 2-0 at the end of the 90 minutes.

United went temporarily on top of the Premiership table but Arsenal could regain their status if they beat Reading on Monday.

Elsewhere Chelsea were dramatically held by Everton 1-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Didier Drogba broke the deadlock with a 70th-minute header but an injury-time bicycle kick from Tim Cahill earned the Toffees a precious point.