Manchester leads by winning 2-0

Manchester United took a big step to retaining their Premier League title after in-form Antonio Valencia struck nine minutes from time to set up a typically patient 2-0 win at relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers on Monday.

Second-placed Manchester City’s 3-3 home draw with Sunderland on Saturday had given United the chance to ram home their advantage and with seven games remaining they are five points ahead and now look odds-on for glory.

Ecuador winger Valencia, a driving force all game, ended Blackburn’s resistance after prolonged United pressure when he came inside and sent a swerving effort into the far corner although he acknowledged it was “50/50″ a shot and a cross.

Read more: Manchester leads by winning 2-0