Hammer and tongs

Chelsea, who are at Newcastle United on Monday, have 81 points, but a vastly inferior goal difference to United.

At the other end of the table, Fulham continued their revival with a 2-0 win at Craven Cottage over fellow relegation candidates Birmingham City, who are now second from the bottom. Reading dropped into the relegation zone after losing 1-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur in their sixth successive match without a goal.

Aston Villa8217;s hopes of an automatic spot in the UEFA Cup next season were hit after they lost 2-0 to Wigan Athletic. United manager Alex Ferguson told Sky Sports News afterwards: 8220;That was an important game today and I8217;m very pleased.8221;

If Chelsea lose on Monday, the title will be United8217;s unless they lose at Wigan and Chelsea beat Bolton Wanderers with a winning margin well into double figures in their final league matches next week.

Ronaldo8217;s double

Ronaldo, named England8217;s Footballer of the Year for the second successive season on Friday, gave United a third-minute lead and added another when he turned the ball in off his thigh after 24 minutes to take his season8217;s tally in all competitions to 40 goals.

Former West Ham striker Carlos Tevez made it 3-0 with a stunning 30-yard shot two minutes later before Dean Ashton replied with an overhead bicycle kick two minutes after that. United were reduced to 10 men when Nani was dismissed eight minutes before half-time for a headbutt on Lucas Neill. Carrick put the game beyond West Ham with a shot that took a deflection off Neill after 59 minutes.