MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester United moved to within touching distance of clinching the English Premier League title with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday.
Cristiano Ronaldo's first half penalty after the Portuguese winger had been tripped by Michael Ball settled the 147th Manchester derby, but United owed their three points to a late penalty save by Dutch international Edwin van der Saar.
City were awarded an 80th minute spot kick after Ball had gone down under a challenge by Wes Brown.
Former England international Darius Vassell struck his penalty down the center but van der Saar reacted to save with his legs.
United, who move eight points clear of reigning champions Chelsea, will reclaim the title if Jose Mourinho's men fail to beat London rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
United, rarely at their best after their midweek Champions League disappointment against AC Milan, might have been ahead before their 34th minute penalty as defenders Nemanja Vidic and fit-again Rio Ferdinand both hit the crossbar with headed efforts at the far post.
With Ferdinand back to give added reassurance to the United defense, City rarely threatened as their goal drought continued.
Stuart Pearce's men ended their last home game of the season without a goal in eight successive home matches since New Year's Day.
Their tally of 10 home league goals is the all-time worst record in the English top tier since league football began in 1888.
Ronaldo had been kept quiet, but his trickery drew a clumsy challenge from Ball and he easily dispatched the spot kick past Andreas Isaksson for his 23rd goal of the season.
Ball, who was lucky to punishment for an apparent stamp on Ronaldo in the opening moments, ironically gave City their best chance of salvaging a point as he burst into United's penalty area to be baulked by Brown.
United protested Rob Styles' penalty award, but Vassell could not finish the job for the disappointing home side.
Cristiano Ronaldo's first half penalty after the Portuguese winger had been tripped by Michael Ball settled the 147th Manchester derby, but United owed their three points to a late penalty save by Dutch international Edwin van der Saar.
City were awarded an 80th minute spot kick after Ball had gone down under a challenge by Wes Brown.
Former England international Darius Vassell struck his penalty down the center but van der Saar reacted to save with his legs.
United, who move eight points clear of reigning champions Chelsea, will reclaim the title if Jose Mourinho's men fail to beat London rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
United, rarely at their best after their midweek Champions League disappointment against AC Milan, might have been ahead before their 34th minute penalty as defenders Nemanja Vidic and fit-again Rio Ferdinand both hit the crossbar with headed efforts at the far post.
With Ferdinand back to give added reassurance to the United defense, City rarely threatened as their goal drought continued.
Stuart Pearce's men ended their last home game of the season without a goal in eight successive home matches since New Year's Day.
Their tally of 10 home league goals is the all-time worst record in the English top tier since league football began in 1888.
Ronaldo had been kept quiet, but his trickery drew a clumsy challenge from Ball and he easily dispatched the spot kick past Andreas Isaksson for his 23rd goal of the season.
Ball, who was lucky to punishment for an apparent stamp on Ronaldo in the opening moments, ironically gave City their best chance of salvaging a point as he burst into United's penalty area to be baulked by Brown.
United protested Rob Styles' penalty award, but Vassell could not finish the job for the disappointing home side.
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