United close in on Liverpool

Manchester United moved to within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool on Wednesday after the champions beat on-form Wigan 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Steve Bruce’s side rode into the Theatre of Dreams on the back of a run of six wins in their previous seven league matches.

But United needed less than a minute to puncture the visitors confidence.

Dimitar Berbatov’s superb pass sent Cristiano Ronaldo away on the right and the World Player of the Year’s low cross was flicked on by Michael Carrick to leave Wayne Rooney with a simple tap in.

That was to prove enough to secure all three points but another hugely positive evening for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side was marred by the sight of Rooney limping off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury only seven minutes after he had scored the decisive goal.

The win means United will go top of the table for the first time this season if they can beat Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday. Liverpool do not play their next match until Monday night’s Merseyside derby clash with Everton at Anfield.