Wayne Rooney scored the only goal as Manchester United beat Reading 1-0 on Saturday to open up a 15-point lead in the Premier League and move closer to a 20th English title.
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Manchester City's defeat at Everton earlier in the day paved the way for United to extend their advantage and the all-time top-flight record for the largest title- winning margin – the 18 points by which United won the 2000 championship – is now under threat.
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United also enjoyed a strong outing from defender Rio Ferdinand, who manager Alex Ferguson confirmed is due to link up with the England squad this week despite concerns over his long-term fitness.
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Reading, under caretaker manager Eamonn Dolan, ended a traumatic week in which they had parted company with Brian McDermott with a creditable performance, but one which still leaves them deep in trouble near the foot of the table.
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Rooney scored what looked likely to be an important opening goal after 21 minutes, although the architect of the effort was Ferdinand, the centre-back recently recalled to Roy Hodgson's England squad.
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Ferdinand's burst of power and pace allowed him to slip the ball through to his international teammate, who unleashed a shot from the edge of the area that deflected off defender Alex Pearce and looped over goalkeeper Stuart Taylor into the net.
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Ashley Young had signalled the first moment of real attacking intent after 20 minutes, collecting a fine cross-field pass from Ferdinand and sending a well- struck cross inches beyond the lunge of Robin van Persie.
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Taylor was forced to rush from his line to beat Young to a dangerous Ryan Giggs pass and, with the goal soon following, United wrapping up victory seemed an imminent formality.
The league is sealed for Manchester United already. Other teams should try next season