Defending champions Manchester United, who were reduced to 10 men after Nani’s sending off in the first half, defeated West Ham United 4-1 in the Premiership game at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The victory puts Sir Alex Ferguson’s side three points clear of title rivals Chelsea, who play Newcastle United on Bank Holiday Monday at St James’ Park.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace to take his Premiership goals tally to 30, while Carlos Tevez came up with a stunning goal against his former employers to put the Red Devils firmly in control at half time.

Michael Carrick rounded up the scoreline with a goal in the second period to boost the goal-difference, which could clinch the title for the Red Devils in case the Blues also end up with same final points tally.

Dean Ashton had brought back the visitors into the contest with an acrobatic effort in the first half, but Alan Curbishley’s side were outplayed by the Red Devils.

The home side had a perfect start with Ronaldo opening the scoring in the 3rd minute to allay any nerves if there had been any as recent record had seen the Hammers beating the Red Devils for three league games on the trot.

The Portuguese ace, who combined up front with Tevez as Wayne Rooney missed the game with hip problem, saw his shot from the right side of the penalty area beat Robert Green owing to a deflection off George McCartney.

Patrice Evra made an important goalline clearance in the 7th minute after Bobby Zamora challenged Edwin Van der Sar in a goalmouth melee following a corner kick.

The Red Devils kept knocking on the door and important interventions from James Tomkins and Lucas Neill kept them at bay.

After persistent pressure from the home side, the Hammers conceded the second goal in the 24th minute with Ronaldo guiding the ball home off his thighs from a close range from the left side of the box off a cross from Owen Hargreaves from right side.

After a minute, Tevez made it 3-0 with a scorching long-range strike as he cut past couple of his former Hammers team-mates before lashing home from the left channel.

The Hammers cut the deficit in the 29th minute with Ashton scoring off a spectacular overhead kick getting the better of defender Rio Ferdinand after Wes Brown’s poor defensive header.

United were down to 10 men as Nani was shown the red card by Mike Riley in the 38th minute for retaliating at Hammers’ skipper Neill, who was booked for his part in the clash, with a head-butt.

United had to defend deep as West Ham built up a patient attack at the beginning of the second half, but Scott Parker’s shot was wide of the target.

United hit back and increased their lead through Carrick as he progressed through the centre of the field with no rival player closing the England midfielder down before his 25-yard shot took a deflection of Neill and entered the net in the 59th minute.

Confusion between McCartney and Parker in the penalty area almost let in Paul Scholes in the 68th minute after Tevez had won the ball inside the Hammers half. Soon after, the goalpost denied the home side further success off substitute Darren Fletcher’s effort from the right side of the box.

Hargreaves and Tevez had chances in the closing stages, as the Red Devils dominated the proceedings despite being a man less, and cruised to a comfortable victory.

Teams

Man United: Edwin Van der Sar, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes (John O'Shea 73), Owen Hargreaves, Cristiano Ronaldo (Darren Fletcher 64), Luis Nani, Ji-Sung Park (Ryan Giggs 62), Carlos Tevez.

Substitutes not used: Tomasz Kuszczak, Anderson.

West Ham: Robert Green, Lucas Neill, George McCartney, John Pantsil, James Tomkins, Hayden Mullins (Fred Sears 75), Scott Parker, Mark Noble, Dean Ashton (Carlton Cole 57), Bobby Zamora, Luis Boa Morte (Nolberto Solano 52).

Substitutes not used: James Walker, Jack Collison.