United on top after win over Man City

Manchester United strolled to a 2-0 defeat of Manchester City on Sunday to return to the top of the Premier League and closer to a record-equaling 18th title



Cristiano Ronaldo's deflected free kick and a superb strike by Carlos Tevez on the stroke of halftime made it a comfortable afternoon at Old Trafford for United who moved three points clear of second-placed Liverpool.

United are on 83 points and have three games left to play to Liverpool's two. Four points from their matches at Wigan Athletic on Wednesday and at home to Arsenal next Saturday would mean they are uncatchable.

Chelsea made sure of finishing at least third with a 4-1 victory against their fellow Champions League semi-final losers Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

After United's thrilling Champions League win against Arsenal in midweek they rarely needed to get out of second gear to overcome a disappointing City side. "We didn't play well," United boss Alex Ferguson told Sky Sports. "I think we got a horrible game but City didn't look like scoring."

"It's a hard game at Wigan and we've only got three days to prepare so I'll have to freshen up the team again," added Ferguson, who started with Wayne Rooney on the bench and substituted Ronaldo early in the second half.

Ronaldo appeared less than happy to be taken off.

"Of course he wants to play all the time but I have to look at the bigger picture," said Ferguson, who hopes to have Rio Ferdinand back for the Wigan game after the central defender sat out the derby because of a calf injury.