United close in on the title

Manchester United regained their fifteen point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 victory at struggling Stoke City yesterday afternoon.

Michael Carrick opened the scoring for the league leaders on four minutes with his first goal of the season, while Robin Van Persie ended his recent goal drought with a second half spot-kick after he was himself fouled by Andy Wilkinson.

The result was the perfect response to last week’s derby defeat at Old Trafford, and means that the club need a maximum of seven points from their final six games to secure the league championship.

Meanwhile, Javier Hernandez has vowed to fight for his place at the club, even if they are to bring in a new striker in the summer.

United have been linked with moves for Radamel Falcao of Atletico Madrid and Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund, but the Mexican international has told Metro that he “will keep the same attitude”, even if he doesn’t start every game.

However, one player who does look like he may be on his way of Old Trafford is Portuguese winger Nani, following reports that the club will not meet his wage demands.

The Daily Mail report that French Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint Germain could move for the 26 year old, who joined United in 2007.