Manchester United maintained their fifteen point advantage at the top of the Premier League with a narrow but comfortable victory at struggling Sunderland.
Titus Bramble’s 27th minute own goal was enough to secure victory for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, who extend their unbeaten league run to nineteen games, the last seven which have all been won.
United can extend their lead to eighteen points with just twenty-one left to play for with victory over second place Manchester City in seven days’ time, though seven points from their final eight games will secure a twentieth league title, regardless of when they are collected.
Meanwhile, the United boss is set to ring the changes ahead of this afternoons FA Cup Quarter Final replay at Stamford Bridge.
Rafael will miss out having been subbed off after just 32 minutes on Saturday with a groin injury, but Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney could all return to the starting line-up.
2011 Cup winners Manchester City await the winners in the semi-final, which will be played at Wembley on April 14th.
Elsewhere, the Mirror reports that the Sir Alex Ferguson will not “entertain any interest” in striker Javier Hernandez, following reports that the Mexican international is set to leave the club.
Real Madrid and Juventus were thought to be interested in the 24 year old, who has hit sixteen goals this season.