Fathi didn’t appear much lately despite Sheffield’s attempts to escape relegation and didn’t make the visit to the Old Trafford, where Sir Alex Ferguson’s men took another leap towards the trophy.

English international Michael Carrick grabbed the lead as early as the fourth minute when he chipped delicately over the advancing goalkeeper after being set up by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Wayne Rooney sealed the victory five minutes into the second-half, sending a smart half-volley past the keeper following an inviting pass from captain Ryan Giggs.

United brought their point tally to 81, six ahead of second-placed and title holders Chelsea, who visit relegation-threatened West Ham on Wednesday.

If Chelsea won at Upton Park, the Premiership title could be settled when they host United in next week’s most important fixture.

In London, Arsenal moved up to third place after easing past Manchester City 3-1 thanks to a second-half double.

Tomas Rosicky snatched a 12th-minute lead but American star DaMarcus Beasley slotted home to level the score before the break.

Cesc Fabregas dinked home in the 73rd minute before Julio Baptista comfortably converted home a few minutes later to seal the win.

Arsenal now have 62 points, leading Liverpool by one point. The Champions League semi-finalists play Middlesbrough on Wednesday.