Korean midfielder Ji-Sung Park put United ahead in the 24th minute when he rose above Ben Thatcher to head Patrice Evra's cross into the bottom corner of the net.

Scotland’s Darren Fletcher doubled the lead eight minutes from time when he connected with Wayne Rooney’s cross to head home into the empty net.

At Stamford Bridge, Didier Drogba continued his impressive form after notching a brace to help Chelsea cruise past Middlesbrough.

The Ivorian international striker broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime before an own goal by Portuguese defender Abel Xavier extended the score line.

Drogba scored again in the 83rd minute to help Chelsea keep up the pressure on United.

Elsewhere, Ahmed Fathi made his Sheffield United debut in his side’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, whom Ahmed Hossam ‘Mido’ and Hossam Ghaly play for.

Rob Hulse’s goal for Sheffield in the 27th minute cancelled out Jermaine Jenas’s opener before Phil Jagielka poked home the winner two minutes after the hour mark.