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United go three points clear following Hammers victory

03/05/2008

Manchester United are one win away from retaining the Premier League trophy following a comfortable 4-1 win over West Ham United.

Although United were down to ten men for much of the game due to Nani's sending off the home side were so far ahead at that stage that the Hammers could not capitalise on their numerical advantage.

United started at a furious pace, determined to put last week's defeat against Chelsea behind them, and were rewarded with three early goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the architect of West Ham's downfall, as the Hammers failed to repeat the win they snatched at Old Trafford last season.

The Portuguese winger gave the home side the lead after just ten minutes when the Hammers defence backed off allowing him to drive into the heart of the penalty area before firing past Robert Green.

Patrice Evra had to be vigilant when West Ham had a rare foray up the other end, but the Frenchman was on hand to clear Bobby Zamora's shot off the line.

Midway through the first half United made their dominance count by scoring twice in quick succession.

First Ronaldo bundled home Owen Hargreaves' cross at the far post for his 31st league goal of the season and his 40th in all competitions.

Then two minutes later Hammers old boy Carlos Tevez unleashed a fearsome shot from 25 yards out that swerved and gave Green little chance of stopping it.

An action-packed first half continued when West Ham pulled a goal back. Striker Dean Ashton connected with an amazing overhead-kick that whistled past Edwin van der Saar.

United ended the first half with ten men when Nani got involved in a fracas and headbutted Lucas Neill.

However the Hammers failed to take advantage of their extra man in the second half and despite a game in midweek United looked the livelier side.

Michael Carrick strode forward from midfield to add their fourth goal just before the hour-mark and Darren Fletcher almost made it five only to see his shot rebound back off the post.

United now only need to beat Wigan next week to claim the Premier League trophy for the second successive season.