Manchester United take step towards EPL title

[Folami David]

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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.

[Shola Sholaz]

The league is sealed for Manchester United already. Other teams should try next season