Ronaldo double sends United to the top

Man Utd 2 Blackburn 0. After 21 years at the helm, Sir Alex Ferguson probably thought that he had seen it all at Old Trafford. Yet after United defeated Blackburn Rovers 2-0 yesterday, even the Manchester United manager was moved to proclaim that he had never had such a talented pool of players at his disposal. Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo allowed United to stretch another two points clear of Chelsea, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton at Stamford Bridge. At the start of the day, United sat in second place in the Barclays Premier League behind Arsenal, the leaders, only on goals scored but the North London club can regain top spot if they defeat Reading by at least a two-goal margin tonight. (Russell Kempson, Times)