Silencing the Noisy Neighbors: Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 0

Goal-scoring drought? Robin van Persie rolls on the goals and scores a hat-trick in the first-half

Image retrieved from the official Barclays Premier League Twitter Page

Manchester United	Aston Villa
De Gea  Evra (Y 27')  Rafael  Jones  Evans  Giggs  Valencia  Carrick  Kagawa  Rooney      (SUB Welbeck 72')  Van Persie (GOAL! 2', 13', 33')  Unused subs:   Lindegaard  Ferdinand  Buttner  Nani  Cleverley  Hernandez	Guzan  Vlaar  Bennett      (SUB Clark 80')  Baker  Lowton  N'Zogbia      (SUB El-Ahmadi 46')  Westwood  Delph  Agbonlahor  Benteke  Weimann  Unused subs:   Given  Holman  Sylla  Bent  Bowery

MANCHESTER IS RED - that is the message Manchester United have sent towards their neighbors Manchester City, with the Reds winning their 20th league title by defeating Aston Villa 3-0.

Manchester United made a high-octane start in the first-half, with Robin van Persie finishing off a pass from Wayne Rooney at the left in under 82 seconds. From then on, it was the Dutchman's show. A minute later he would've made it 20 but his shot just grazes over the bar.

The Old Trafford faithful held their breath for quite a while when Villa caught the home side on the break, with Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke creating Villa's only clear-cut chance of the half.

Rooney's long-range pass to Robin van Persie, reminiscent of Ryan Giggs' beautiful long ball to the Dutchman during their FA Cup match against West Ham earlier in the season, set the stage of goal number two. The Netherlands international, on the half-volley from the edge of the box, rockets home the second goal.

Van Persie slots home a long-range goal from the edge of the box

Image retrieved from the official Barclays Premier League Twitter page

Some minutes later, Ryan Giggs manifest a moment of selflessness, opting to make a short pass to Robin van Persie inside the box, with the Dutchman finishing off the first half with a hat-trick.

The home side loosened their step on the gas come the second half, with Aston Villa having a bit more of the ball than earlier in the game. Paul Lambert's men had a few half-chances of their own, but nothing as precise as they would've liked.

The Reds, on their part, had a few chances of their own, and Shinji Kagawa almost made it 4-0 with good passing play made from the front line inside the box. The Japanese international adjusts the ball on his feet to lose goalkeeper Brad Guzan but just when everything was poised for goal, Kagawa kicks the ball high.

In the end, United simply held on the ball, ran down the time, and after the full time, the Reds are crowned champions.

Agony from the last day of last season now replaced by cheers of joy and celebration, as the Reds soared to their 20th league title.

Muscling Their Way In: Stoke 0 Manchester United 2

Manchester United's Robin van Persie ends his goal drought, scoring his 20th of the season

Image retrieved from the Barclays Premier League Twitter page

Stoke	Manchester United
Begovic  Cameron      (SUB Jerome 71' (Y 85'))  Huth  Shawcross  Wilkinson  Shotton  Whelan  Nzonzi  Adam  Jones      (SUB Crouch 84')  Walters      (SUB Owen 77')  Unused subs:   Sorensen  Palacios  Whitehead  Kightly	De Gea  Evra  Jones  Ferdinand  Vidic  Valencia (Y 63')  Carrick (GOAL! 3')  Kagawa  Rooney  Van Persie (GOAL! 66' PG)  Hernandez      (SUB Welbeck 77')  Unused subs:   Lindegaard  Evans  Smalling  Buttner  Giggs  Cleverley

Manchester United endured a physical and robust Stoke offensive at the Britannia Stadium, with Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie etching their names in the scoresheet.

The Reds had two feet on the gas pedal at the very start of the first half, with Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez providing the goal threat early on. And United cashed in on their first corner of the game. Van Persie's corner kick landed the ball square in the Stoke box, causing a scramble for the ball. Michael Carrick ultimately got his foot on it, propelling the Reds to the lead.

Michael Carrick taps in United's first goal of the game

Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK

The league leaders would somehow slow the game down a bit but still got a few shots on goal, with the prolific Van Persie getting close a couple of times. Stoke, for their part, haven't done anything to constitute a solid threat. They got closest to a goal in a free kick when Robert Huth's header grazes the ball just wide.

But it was United who certainly had the ball more, with Kagawa doing really well to keep the ball in Reds' possession. Rooney, deployed in central midfield, is doing decently as well to steer the play United's way.

Chicharito's challenge opens up Wilkinson's left brow

Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK

The Potters upped the ante in the second half, with the likes of Charlie Adam, Kenwyne Jones and Jonathan Walters all creating chances. Walters came close  to equalizing for the home side when he received the ball inside the box and tried to shoot the ball home but couldn't direct it.

The two sides traded chances but none could get a clear-cut chance at goal until the 66th minute. Robin van Persie receives the ball from the left but defender Wilkinson made a late challenge on the Dutchman. Referee Jon Moss gave the penalty and the Dutchman finally broke his goal drought from the spot, scoring his 20th league goal of the season. Stoke actually latched in a quick response on the break when Ryan Shotton made a blistering shot, but David de Gea coolly saves the ball.

Robin van Persie hugs boss Sir Alex as both celebrate the Dutchman's goal

Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK

Stoke went on full ambition, with Glenn Whelan and Ryan Shotton now making long 30-yarders but none are making it towards the target. Ferguson's men run down the clock and seal in the win soon after.

United's win hands Sir Alex Ferguson his 900th win as a manager and propels the team back to 15-points clear at the top the table. The Red Devils are now just seven points away from clinching their 20th top-flight title.

Prolonging the Wait: Manchester United 1 Manchester City 2

City's Sergio Aguero celebrates the winning goal at Old Trafford

Image retrieved from the Barclays Premier League Twitter page

Manchester United	Manchester City
De Gea  Rafael (Y 90+2')  Evra  Jones  Ferdinand   Giggs  Carrick  Young      (SUB Kagawa 90+1')  Rooney (Y 32')      (SUB Hernandez 85')   Welbeck      (SUB Valencia 82' (Y 90+3'))   Van Persie  Unused subs:   Lindegaard  Buttner  Nani  Cleverley	Hart  Zabaleta (Y 90+1')  Kompany (Y 42') (OG 58')  Clichy  Nastasic  Milner (GOAL! 50')  Nasri      (SUB Aguero 71' (GOAL! 78'))  Barry (Y 89')  Silva (Y 29')      (SUB Lescott 88')  Yaya Toure  Tevez (Y 84')      (SUB Garcia 90+2')  Unused subs:   Pantilimon  Kolarov  Kolo Toure  Dzeko

Manchester United, who were poised to win the title should they have won this game and their next, would have to wait a little longer to get their hands on the Premier League trophy as they didn't exhibit the performance champions are supposed to do and slumped with a 2-1 loss against fierce rivals Manchester City at the Theatre of Dreams.

The two rivals started off the match with gusto as the game was played openly, with both sides having half-chances. Welbeck got an early chance at the 2nd minute, which was comfortably saved by City keeper Joe Hart. Dutchman Robin van Persie also had a couple of half-chances but the Blues defense was tight and rigid. For their part, City conjured efforts on goal of their own, with Spaniard David Silva pulling the strings, servicing the likes of James Milner and Carlos Tevez.

But soon the half turned into a war of attrition as both sides made intricate, gritty passes from short-quarters that brought frustration to all players, with fouls flying left and right. The frustration notched up a couple of degrees in a matter of seconds when the half-time whistle was blown just as City was able to send the ball into United's penalty area. The half-time break was barely able to contain Mancini's men from boiling over.

City's James Milner (first from left) celebrates with Nasri for his opening goal

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

The tension-filled action continued on in the second half, with chances still few and far between for both sides, until a crucial mistake from no less than veteran United man Ryan Giggs. The evergreen Giggs made the mistake of back-passing the ball with his heels, with Barry in close pursuit behind him. This allowed Barry to lob the ball to Milner who rocket the ball home.

But the lead was short-lived. Six minutes later, Yaya Toure clattered Rafael at the right wing, putting the ball out of play for a corner kick. The kick lobs the ball towards Phil Jones, who heads the ball towards the back of Kompany and through the deflection, scores the equalizer.

City looked demoralized but things turned around with a snap at the arrival of Sergio Aguero, who ran past three defenders to slot the ball in to the back of the net just seven minutes after he came in.

From then on, it was a matter of running the clock, with City happy to defend in their half. United poured on the attacks but chances never came. Crosses were poor from Young and Giggs. Robin van Persie has lost his touch. And when United didn't kick the ball out for a pleading David Silva, tensions rose to the breaking point, with both sides' players trading verbal barbs. It took a while for referee Mike Dean to take control but when the coast cleared, it was all too late.

Sir Alex Ferguson's 13th title is still secure, with the Reds 12 points clear. But now they have to wait a little longer to hold the coveted trophy, as Roberto Mancini won a consolation that is better than the title itself in some regard - the thought that he stopped the veteran Scotsman from his tracks is good enough for this season.

A Decade-Long Drought: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0

Demba Ba's half-volley shot proved to be the eventual winner

Image taken from The Daily Mail UK

Chelsea	Manchester United
Cech  Azpilicueta (Y 77')  Ivanovic  Luiz  Cole      (SUB Bertrand 22' (Y 58'))   Mikel   Ramires  Hazard  Mata (Y 89')  Oscar (Y 90')      (SUB Moses 90+1')  Ba (GOAL! 49')      (SUB Torres 90+3')  Unused subs:   Lampard  Terry  Turnbull  Benayoun	De Gea  Jones  Smalling  Ferdinand  Evra  Valencia  Carrick   Cleverley (Y 54')      (SUB van Persie 61')   Nani      (SUB Giggs 65')  Welbeck      (SUB Young 80')  Hernandez  Unused subs:   Lindegaard  Vermijl  Powell  Kagawa

Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United crashed out of the FA Cup in the narrowest of margins, but the scoreline failed to depict the lack of steel the Reds exhibited as they lost to Chelsea in their FA Cup replay, extending the Mancunian giants FA Cup trophy drought to a decade.

The first half-started lethargically, in a fashion unexpected of two top-four teams. Sloppy passes from both passes saw the ball exchange possession swiftly and intermittently. Both sides didn't have much efforts on goal until later in the half, when Hernandez collected the ball from the edge of the box, only for him to decide to switch to his preferred right foot. The time it took would prove costly. 

The Blues, on their part, sparked with a charge from Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard. He crossed the ball towards Ba who tried to sneak it past De Gea, but the Spaniard kicked it away. Cech would respond with a foot save of his own, saving Chicharito's attempt with a bicycle kick on the follow-through.

Chicharito's second-half header from close range was denied by Petr Cech

Image taken from The Daily Mail UK

Second-half saw Rafa Benitez' men switch on grandiosely as early as the 49th minute, when Mata's long pass from the middle of the pitch saw the ball fall in front of Demba Ba, who bashed it in towards the back of the net.

Alex Ferguson tried to revitalise his chances of staying in the FA Cup by bringing in van Persie, Ryan Giggs and Ashley Young, but the Reds just couldn't create a decent chance. Their best attempt came just at the hour mark, when Welbeck's cross from the right was headed in by Chicharito in the same fashion as he did when the two sides last met. Cech made a fine save.

At that point, United succumbed to fatigue and lack of confidence as midfield maestros Mata, Oscar and Hazard trudged over United's shape on the pitch.

In the end, United, the Comeback Kings of lore, just couldn't get that crucial equalizer to stay in the competition. Sir Alex Ferguson will now have to be content with the promise of a 20th League title as the Red Devils go on to their 10th year without an FA Cup trophy.

Homing in on Number 20: Sunderland 0 Manchester United 1

Robin van Persie celebrates as he brought United the eventual winning goal for his side

Image retrieved from The Official Barclays Premier League Twitter page

Sunderland	Manchester United
Mignolet  Bardsley (Y 74')      (SUB Larsson 78')  Bramble (OG 27')   O'Shea (Y 48')  Rose      (SUB Colback 84')  Johnson      (SUB Wickham 75')   Gardner  N'Diaye (Y 26')  McClean  Sessegnon   Graham  Unused subs:   Kilgallon  Mangane  Westwood  Mandron	De Gea  Rafael      (SUB Evans 33')  Vidic  Smalling  Buttner  Valencia  Anderson      (SUB Cleverley 84')   Carrick  Young  Kagawa      (SUB Welbeck 78')   van Persie (Y 57')  Unused subs:  Evra  Lindegaard  Nani  Powell

Manchester United, at least for a couple of hours, will relish their dominating 18-point lead at the top of the table as the grinded out a win against Martin O'Neill's Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this Easter Saturday.

Sunderland started the first-half with gusto, threatening to do efforts on goal. One attempt came from Gardner in the sixth minute, and it was destined for the net if not for a block from United captain Nemanja Vidic. Quickly after that, the Reds sparked at the break with Young's cross sending the ball towards Phil Bardsley, whose both hands clearly blocked the ball.

At that point, Alex Ferguson's side suddenly got control of the game, with their left-hand side pouring punishment on Sunderland's defense. After dishing out a battering, the Red Devils finally got their goal. Given a lot of space, van Persie managed to squeeze into the box from the left side, who then took the shot. The ball deflected off Bramble, who made a last-ditch tackle, and in towards the back of the net.

Robin van Persie's (second in dark blue from left) shot deflected off Sunderland's Bardsley (in red, on floor) which sent the ball past goalkeeper Mignolet

Image retrieved from The Official Barclays Premier League Twitter page

The second half was seeing more of the same United dominance in possession in the first half. But try as they might, the Reds just couldn't get that second goal. Frustration perhaps showing itself, the Dutchman van Persie made an unfair challenge on Sunderland's Gardner, prompting a yellow card. It was at this point the Martin O'Neill's men started to put some pressure. Blistering runs and quick passess from Sessegnon, Gardner and Bardsley on the right saw Sessegnon receive the ball. He lobbed it towards the six-yard box and De Gea made a punch of it but clashes with Vidic along the way. Both got dazed from the collision and it prompted a short break from referee Kevin Friend.

The Black Cats continued to pull the strings on attack and possession as the Stadium of Light faithful churned their team on. McClean, Johnson and Gardner did well to exert pressure on the United defense, but stalwart Vidic, together with Jonny Evans, made sure goals were not conceded.

The Official Barclays Premier League Twitter page later confirmed that the RVP effort was indeed credited as a Titus Bramble own goal

United, for their part, continued to hunt for that closing second goal, to no avail. Buttner shot a screamer from the edge of the penalty box at the 81st minute, but it was saved by Sunderland's Mignolet. The Black Cats replied with an effort from Graham, but that too was saved, this time by De Gea.

In the end, both sides didn't get that crucial goal in the second-half, despite the six-minute stoppage time. But regardless of the narrow result, Sir Alex Ferguson would take the win anytime as they are now eighteen points clear at the top of the table, at least until Manchester City finish their game against Newcastle later on in the night, putting the Red Devils ever so closer to their 20th league title.

Edging Towards the Title: Manchester United 1 Reading 0

Rooney's opening goal proved to be the winner against a stubborn Reading

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

Manchester United	Reading
De Gea  Smalling  Ferdinand  Vidic  Buttner  Welbeck  Giggs  Anderson     (SUB Kagawa 85')   Young     (SUB Carrick 74')   Rooney (GOAL! 21')  van Persie    Unused subs:  Lindegaard  Evans  Valencia  Hernandez  Powell	Taylor  Kelly (Y 55')   Pierce  Mariappa  Shorey  Karacan  Leigertwood   McAnuff   Robson-Kanu    (SUB Blackman 70')  McCleary  Hunt (Y 41')    (SUB Le Fondre 70')   Unused subs:  McCarthy  Gunter  Morrison  Harte  Akpan

With David Moyes' team beating Manchester City 2-0 earlier in the day, United's gritty 1-0 win against resolute Reading meant the Red Devils edge closer to their 20th league title as they now hold an emphatic 15 point lead at the top of the table.

The first minutes of the first half saw a steady, unmoving deadlock between the two teams, with few clear-cut chances being made between the two. Then, somewhere in the fifteen-minute mark, the United attack started to tick. Ashley Young recorded an effort on goal; Welbeck, Rooney and van Persie would soon follow, but all would drift amiss. Then, a moment of fortune arrived. Ferdinand made a blistering run in the center, crossing the ball towards Rooney who made a shot towards goal. The ball bounces off Reading's Alex Pearce and it lobs past keeper Taylor and towards the net.

Rooney broke the deadlock as his shot deflects past Reading's Pearce

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

Reading would respond with attacks from Robson-Kanu, Shorey and McAnuff, but the Royals just couldn't get that equalizing goal.

The second-half saw the deadlock reinstated at Old Trafford. Ashley Young and Welbeck had shots in for the Reds; Karacan, McAnuff and Robson-Kanu replied for the visitors. With Reading seemingly in the driver seat, United looked as if they had once again switched off their game. Until they lit back up and exchanges from Welbeck, Kagawa and Rooney saw the ball just over the bar. Robin van Persie also had a shot on goal. Ryan Giggs also kept the ball up, but all efforts are all in vain.

A five-minute stoppage time was greeted by boos from the Old Trafford faithful but in the end, the Royals just couldn't get the leveler and Sir Alex Ferguson's men get the job of the day done and the crucial win propelled them to fifteen points off the table and the league title may surely be already in the bag.

Dropping the Ball: Manchester United 2 Chelsea 2

Chelsea's no. 7, Ramires, scores the equalizer six minutes after the hour mark

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

STARTING LINEUPS

Manchester United	Chelsea
De Gea  Rafael  Evans  Ferdinand  Evra  Carrick  Cleverley  Nani     (SUB Valencia 46')   Kagawa     (SUB Welbeck 76')  Rooney (GOAL! 10')  Hernandez (GOAL! 4')      (SUB van Persie 61')   Unused subs:  Amos  Anderson  Vidic  Young	Cech    Azpilicueta (Y 39')   Luiz (Y 54')  Cahill  Cole  Ramires (GOAL! 66')  Lampard    (SUB Mikel 51')   Moses    (SUB Hazard 51' (GOAL! 58') (Y 74'))   Mata  Oscar  Ba     (SUB Torres 77')  Unused subs:  Turnbull  Ivanovic  Terry  Bertrand

Manchester United's bid for the FA Cup trophy took a stumble after Sir Alex Ferguson's team squandered a two-goal lead when they dropped the ball and gave Chelsea the upper-hand with the Blues picking up a vital 2-2 draw.

The first half saw a rapid-fire start from both sides, with Ba getting the first chance at a goal. He shot it wide. The Reds countered with Carrick, who made a serene long pass to Hernandez, who headed the ball home, with Cech caught off-guard. Six minutes later, Rooney's free-kick from the edge of the box curled past everybody towards the far corner.

Chicharito's header in the 4th minute gave United the early lead

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

United kept the foot on the gas for the next fifteen minutes with Nani, Chicharito and Cleverley all having chances. But Chelsea steadily crawled in to  hold on the ball and as United lightened on the pedal, the Blues pounced on their opportunities, to no avail. Errors from Rafael and Carrick lead to counter-attacks from Chelsea's Ba, Mata and Lampard. All tried to get a goal back, but all attempts went wide.

The Reds picked up just before half-time, with Nani leading the plays. United's third goal would've to wait as their attempts went nowhere.

Rooney's brilliant free-kick placed United two goals up after just eleven minutes

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

A turn-face happened on the second-half, as Chelsea got their stranglehold on the possession and kept the pressure on United. Mata proved to be mercurial late on as he made fabulous plays to help his teammates get shots on goal. United completely lost their momentum in the first half, reminiscent of their game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season at the League.

Early in the second-half, Chelsea had the possession but not the goals. Interim manager Rafa Benitez made a seemingly controversial change when he took out Lampard and replaced him with Mikel to compound his other substitution, Hazard on for Moses. But it turned out to be the correct decision as Hazard made a blistering run at the break and slotted the ball home. Fifteen minutes later, Ramires pounced to level the scores between the two teams.

David Luiz celebrate with Eden Hazard for the latter's goal at the 58th minute

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

With Sir Alex Ferguson's men rattled, Chelsea knew they had to look for the killshot. Torres was brought on to help bolster the Blues' attack. The Spaniard did get a shot on target, but it was comfortably saved by De Gea. A last gasp came from Juan Mata at the 89th minute, who pounced from a mess-up inside the United box. The shot went begging.

In the end, both teams had to settle for a draw and wait for the replay match, which will be squeezed in a very tight schedule for both teams. Sir Alex Ferguson, meanwhile, will find himself very frustrated as he watched his team lose their grip on a game that was supposed to have been won. With United travelling to Stamford Bridge for the replay, a defeat may be in the cards, and that would lead to a decade of not winning the FA Cup that will surely bring much ire to the United manager.

King of the Hill: QPR 0 Manchester United 2

United's right-back Rafael celebrates his 25-yard screamer and eventual winning goal
Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

Starting Lineups

Manchester United: De Gea ; Rafael (GOAL! 22'), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra ; Nani, Carrick, Giggs (GOAL! 80'), Young (SUB .Valencia 68'); Van Persie (SUB Welbeck 41'), Hernandez (SUB Rooney 60')
(Bench: Lindegaard, Evans, Anderson, Cleverley)

QPR: Julio Cesar ; Traore, Samba, Hill, Bosingwa ; Taarabt, Granero (SUB Jenas 45+1'), Townsend (SUB Hoilett 72'), M'bia ; Mackie, Zamora (SUB Remy 60')
(Bench: Green, Onouha, Park, Wright-Phillips)

The Reds' 2-0 away win against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road will certainly be a welcome for Alex Ferguson as this win might just be the one that will bring the Scot the 20th league title. Manchester United are now King of the Hill with a wide 15-point lead at the top of the table.

United get to business early at the start of the first half. Nani got the first glance for the Reds with a missed close-range header. QPR responded with Taarabt, whose shot goes wide. The exchange stopped there as United churned on the attack. Attempts from Chicharito and van Persie all came close, to no avail. However, it would be the Brazilian Rafael who strikes from 25 yards out to put his team in the lead. 

The United lead was immediately put to the test when QPR answered with Townsend, Samba and Taarabt all having a go at goal, with no success. A scare for United came when van Persie had to be substituted for what appears to be a pelvic injury. With Madrid not far away, the Reds staff will sure to keep an eye on the prolific Dutchman.

Robin van Persie receives treatment as he hit his back in a tumble with the cameraman

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

The start of the second-half seemed to be a first-half encore with United having the initiative. Young and Hernandez pounced on their opportunities, but both missed. Substitute Remy had the first chance for the Rangers in the second-half with a drilled shot from 12 yards. David de Gea made a fantastic save. But when all seemed in a deadlock, the veteran Ryan Giggs entered the fray. A brilliant pass in from Nani saw Giggs take the ball with a masterful composure as he struck in and got the coup-de-grace for United in the 80th minute.

Ryan Giggs' shot takes the ball past the veteran Julio Cesar into the net to seal United's win against Rangers

Image retrieved from The Official Barclays Premier League Twitter Account

Ryan Giggs almost made it two for two when he hit the bar a minute later from his goal. From then on, it was just a matter of grinding out the opposition. QPR lost their confidence once the Welshman got his goal in and Harry Redknapp's body language told volumes.

United's comfortable win put them a whopping fifteen points clear off nearest rivals and noisy neighbors City, who are yet to face an in-form Chelsea with Rafa Benitez hell-bent on proving his prowess as a manager. This thought would certainly put a wide grin on the face of Sir Alex Ferguson and the millions of United fans around the world.

The Peril of Writing Off Manchester United

"How dare you write us off?"

Image retrieved from sporten.tv2.dk

I was browsing the net, reading the different football news and other stuff when I stumbled upon this article from the Daily Mail UK. It seems betting agency Paddy Power has decided to pay out bettors who placed their money on United winning the league. A Paddy Power spokesperson told the Daily Mail, "The fat lady might not be singing yet but she’s definitely getting warmed up. We can’t see United letting their lead slip and, with Real Madrid to come midweek, we thought we’d take some of the pressure off Fergie and give punters an early payday."

With twelve games to go, United's race for their 20th league title certainly isn't over yet. Red fans like me can certainly never forget last season, when United dropped a seven point lead and lost the title to noisy neighbors Manchester City on the last seconds of the season. It's simply precarious to be complacent at this stage.

Then again, twelve points is still twelve points, and that margin will certainly bring some comfort to Sir Alex Ferguson, who played a full-strength team against Everton last Sunday despite a midweek Champions League clash against Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Manchester United are twelve points clear at the top of the table

Image retrieved from the Manchester United Official Facebook Page

I can still vividly recall my annoyance last August. Like every other football fan, I hungered for the English football season to return. Euro 2012 had ended two months prior and the Olympics was nothing more than a blip. Without those two, a fan satisfied his football cravings by reading new on the latest transfers as well as the predictions for the upcoming season.

Pretty much everyone wrote United off during pre-season. The Guardian UK had United at only 36% (13/5) to win the title. ESPN's Roger Bennett predicted United will struggle to finish third. Phil McNulty of BBC predicted United may win a trophy, but it certainly won't be the League title or even the Champions League. And then there was FIFA 13's engine, which predicted that Manchester United will end up in second, six points adrift of City.

Yet now, with a little more than twelve games left, Manchester United pretty much took a stranglehold at the top of the table.

The team cannot afford complacency now, more than ever. The pain of last season is a scarring reminder of that. But to those who wrote United off before the season began, then you must realize United is a team that you simply never neglect. The Reds will march on, and possibly, this time, ever closer towards the 20th title.

In The Lead: Manchester United 2 Everton 0

RVP's form bring United to victory as the Reds go 12 points clear

Image retrieved from The Official Barclays Premier League Twitter Page

Starting Lineups

Manchester United: De Gea ; Rafael, Vidic, Evans (SUB Smalling 80'), Evra ; Valencia, Cleverley, Jones (SUB Carrick 57') Giggs (GOAL! 12') ; Rooney, Van Persie (GOAL! 45')

(Bench: Amos, Anderson, Hernandez, Nani, Welbeck)

Everton: Howard ; Neville, Heitinga, Jagielka, Baines ; Mirallas Y (SUB Naismith 70'), Osman, Gibson, Pienaar, Fellaini Y ; Anichebe (SUB Jelavic 56')

(Bench: Mucha, Duffy, Oviedo, Hitzlsperger, Stones)

With Manchester City registering a shock loss against newly-promoted team Southampton, Sir Alex Ferguson knew he had to win against Everton. And despite a Real Madrid CL fixture in midweek, the Reds played a full strength team against Everton, taking the stakes of the game into heavy consideration, which paid off as they saw the Toffees off 2-0 at Old Trafford and placed themselves 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

United pumped the pace quickly in the opening minutes of the first half, winning their first free kick at the edge of the box just before the two-minute mark. They kept the pressure going until Rooney made a brilliant pass to Robin van Persie who missed the empty goal as he hit the post. The Dutchman tried to redeem himself three minutes later, causing a scramble inside the box. Enter Ryan Giggs, who chipped the ball in to give United the lead.

Ryan Giggs shrugged his age away as his goal gave United the lead

Image retrieved from The Official Barclays Premier League Twitter Page

From that point on, United seemed content and stepped off the gas a bit, inviting pressure from the Toffees. Everton responded appropriately as attempts from Leon Osman, Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas all blocked away. The Reds have Vidic to thank, who remained stalwart in defense as the Blues dominated possession for a good amount of time.

But United caught David Moyes' side at the break when Rafael's through ball towards Robin van Persie paid dividends. The Dutchman made sure he made no mistakes this time round as he outsmarted keeper Tim Howard yet again for the goal just at the 45th minute mark.

Robin van Persie makes no mistake as he rounds Tim Howard to slot the ball into the empty net

Image retrieved from The Official Barclays Premier League Twitter Page

United start off the second half the way they did the first. They maintain good possession of the ball for a good amount of time but Everton's back line did well to parry the chances. A header from Giggs at the 65th minute was kept out by Howard but the keeper spilled it, causing a scramble in front of the net. Giggs tried to bring it in but they had to settle for a corner. The succeeding corner saw Cleverley pull off a Scholes-like strike from the edge of the box, which was superbly tipped out by Tim Howard.

Everton staged a few chances, but they had simply lost heart. The Reds saw the game off with Sir Alex Ferguson's side moving a whopping twelve points clear against noisy neighbors City.

Buckling Under the Blizzard: Spurs 1 Manchester United 1

Clint Dempsey clinches the late equalizer for Spurs

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

Starting Lineups (Courtesy of Soccerway.com)

Goals of the Game

Tottenham Hotspur: Dempsey (90+2')

Manchester United: van Persie (25')

Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United dropped their overall lead to just five points after his side weathered a blizzard-esque second-half showing from Andre Villas-Boas' Tottenham as an at-the-ultimate-death Clint Dempsey equalizer made sure both sides shared the spoils in a thrilling game amidst a shivering snowstorm at White Hart Lane.

Match officials decided to give the match a go amidst the snow at White Hart Lane

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

The Spurs took hold of the ball for the first ten minutes as they dominated possession. Both had half-chances at goal, to no avail. The first clear chance came from Tottenham in the 13th minute as Lennon made a blistering run followed by shot from the right side of the box. De Gea parried the attack unconvincingly with Defoe attempting to do a rebound from the six-yard box. De Gea managed to save the ball, which was deemed offside ex post facto.

The Red Devils responded magnificently as Welbeck made a run of his own from left to center at the edge of the box. He passed to Cleverley, who brilliantly crossed it to RVP. The prolific Dutchman made no mistakes as he headed the ball in at the 25th minute.

Robin van Persie glances a head on the ball to guide it to the back of the net

Image retrieved from the Official Barclays Premier League Twitter Account

Tom Cleverley provides Robin van Persie the assist for the latter's 25th minute goal

Image retrieved from The Telegraph UK

The home side tried to respond with urgency. At the 28th minute, their lone striker Jermaine Defoe's 30-yard screamer almost beat De Gea. The Spaniard keeper loses control of the ball and managed to give Spurs a corner. United would clear. Twelve minutes later, they were at it again as a Bale shot from the edge of box gets parried by De Gea, who went to the ground. Lennon and Parker scrambled to equalize but the United defense blocked each rebound attempt successfully.

Spurs began the second half in breakneck fashion as Defoe took business at the 46th minute with a shot going just wide. United replied with Evra as he made a run at the wing. He passed to Kagawa, who gave it to Welbeck inside the box. The attempt was blocked by Caulker.

From there, just as the snow stormed in came Tottenham's aggressive and fervent search for the equalizer. In the 50th minute, Dempsey beat United's back line but his shot saved by De Gea. Bale's cross at the 63rd minute was cleared but only as far as Dempsey who once again missed. United tried to stage a counter but Welbeck shot wide a cross from Rooney at 67th minute.

But then, the home side just kept on pressing as United did spectacularly in defense. A Defoe attempt was blocked by an astute Ferdinand tackle at the 77th minute; A Bale right-footed screamer from outside the box went just wide at the 80th. A shot from 30 yards was riskily headed away by Ferdinand at the 85th.

Bale launches in the air as his side pressed on for an equalizer

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

The Reds' looked spot-on to defend their lead and regain their seven-point advantage at the top of the table when Clint Dempsey, who has been missing his shots all game long, finally got his goal at the 92nd minute as he beat Ferdinand and Vidic to the ball.

At the end of the 90, Tottenham was grateful to split the points as their blizzard attack finally paid off in a Comeback style usually reserved for their rivals. Sir Alex Ferguson, meanwhile, could be assured of his side's defensive capabilities now as United showed great resoluteness but will now have to look over their shoulders as nearest rivals City edge closer with just five points separating the two sides.

Precarious: Manchester United 2 Liverpool 1

Patrice Evra's second-half header proved to be the winning goal for his side

Image retrieved from The Telegraph UK

Starting Lineups (Courtesy of Soccerway.com)

Goals of the Game

Manchester United: van Persie (19'), Evra (54')

Liverpool: Sturridge (57')

With Jose Mourinho watching on the stands, Sir Alex Ferguson claimed a victory against long-time rivals Liverpool, content in keeping a formidable lead at the top of the league table.

The first half started with not much flare compared to the previous meetings of these two sides. The teams engaged in a sparring game until tides would turn to United's favor. Lovely passing play from Kagawa, Cleverley and Evra brought Robin van Persie the ball, who smashed the ball in from just outside the 6-yard box. Cleverley almost made it 2-0 when a Kagawa attempt was poorly cleared. The young Cleverley would attempt a shot from the edge of the penalty area, but the ball drifted wide. 

Robin van Persie celebrates as he scores the first goal of the match for United.

Image retrieved from the Official Barclays Premiere League Twitter account

Liverpool tried their best to put some offense, but it wasn't happening. Mishaps from Joe Allen and captain Steven Gerrard, including a poor return ball, made Suarez unable to latch an attack. Then, on the counter-attack, Carrick makes a similar pass made by Ryan Giggs to van Persie in the West Ham FA Cup match, but this was to Rafael. The Brazilian was unopposed as he brought the ball towards the 6-yard box and passed it to RVP who was unable to finish. Kagawa tried to pounce on the rebound but he stumbled with Liverpool's keeper Pepe Reina.

Liverpool carried their unspectacular run in the second half. Sterling and Johnson provided some threats in the wing, but the Liverpool side just wasn't making any progress. Their defense proved ever flimsier when a free kick from Robin van Persie was collected by Patrice Evra, who outran his marker and made the score 2-0. Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool's signing from Chelsea and their halft-time sub, made sure he had some say in the match's affairs when he collected a rebound with authority three minutes later, when De Gea unconvincingly parried Gerrard's attempt.

Daniel Sturridge makes the impact off the bench by pulling a goal back for Liverpool

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

Liverpool would soon put United on edge, as the home side lost their composure amidst the pressure. However, they kept their lead, and the Old Trafford faithful breathed a sigh of relief as their side won a fidgety victory against age-old rivals Liverpool. For a brief moment, The Red Devils are ten points clear of nearest rival City.

At The Death: West Ham 2 Manchester United 2

Robin van Persie scores the dramatic equalizer at the death

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

Starting Lineups (Courtesy of Soccerway.com)

Goals of the Game

West Ham: Collins (27', 58')

Manchester United: Cleverley (23'), van Persie (90')

Sir Alex Ferguson's side scraped off a drama-filled draw to keep their FA Cup race alive against West Ham United after a moment of brilliance from Ryan Giggs helped Robin van Persie smashed in the equalizing goal at the death.

Manchester United kicked off the first half with an irongrip control on possession, with Paul Scholes dictating the pace for his team. Chances from Welbeck, Hernandez and Smalling almost gave United the lead. West Ham responded with chances of their own. The Hammers' Alou Diarra and Ricardo Vaz Te had their attempts on goal. The game would pick up to the Reds' favor when a counterattack opened Hernandez and Welbeck. The Mexican opted to make a deceitful cross towards the unmarked Tom Cleverley who smashed the ball in from the edge of the box. Sam Allardyce's men responded four minutes later. New signing Joe Cole made a brilliant cross towards James Collins, who only needed to nudge the ball in for the equalizer.

Tom Cleverley opens the scoring with a brilliant goal

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

West Ham's James Collins pulls one back for his side

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

West Ham started the second-half off with urgency as they quickly linked up with their forwards, but the chance went wide. United also had chances from Welbeck and Kagawa, to no avail. West Ham, however, took the lead at the 58th minute. Joe Cole, the man the Hammers bought from Liverpool, made another stunning cross to James Collins, who headed the ball home for the second time in the night. West Ham would then take a tyrannical control of the possession, with the Reds having no chances whatsoever.

Collins replicates his first-half header to give West Ham the lead at Upton Park

Image retrieved from The Daily Mail UK

With time slowly running out, it seemed it wasn't United's day... until the 90th minute, when a first-touch cross from Ryan Giggs was sent towards the in-form Robin van Persie, who emphatically rocketed the ball home to make sure the Reds keep their challenge for the FA Cup title alive.

Double Double: Wigan 0 Manchester United 4

Robin van Persie celebrates his 2nd goal against Wigan, as he made that tally 4-0 for United

Image retrieved from the Official Barclays Premier League Twitter page

Starting Lineups (Courtesy of Soccerway.com)

Goals of the Game

Wigan: --

Manchester United: Hernandez (36', 63'), van Persie (43', 88')

Two goals from both Robin van Persie and Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez made sure Sir Alex Ferguson's side was not to have a repeat of last year's failure at the DW Stadium as his side start of 2013 with a dominating win against Roberto Martinez's Wigan Athletic.

The first half started off slow for both teams as they tried to get a feel from their opponents. Chances went by for both teams, to no avail. United's Rafael,  Young and Hernandez would all get some chance at goal, while Wigan's Beausejour, Kone, Maloney and Di Santo all threatened the Reds' defenders. Hernandez almost got a goal on his name, but the score was disallowed as the Mexican was offside.

The pace picked up at the 36th minute when Patrice Evra's attempt on goal was parried by Wigan's Ali Al-Habsi, only to have the ball roll towards Chicharito Hernandez, who smashed the ball in for the first goal. Seven minutes later, Robin van Persie, with a touch of master class, went past two defenders and shot the ball in from the left.

Hernandez kicks off United's score tally at the DW stadium

Image retrieved from The Telegraph UK

Robin van Persie scores his first goal of 2013 against Wigan

Image retrieved from The Telegraph UK

The second half started with the same urgency as the first half. Wigan was being frustrated by the Reds' passing. However, the wait for the pace to pick up was shorter. Kone would get a goal disallowed as well, after he buried in Di Santo's brilliant cross. United responded with another superb goal from Hernandez, who picked up the pieces from van Persie's mistimed free kick.

Wigan would keep up the pace at the latter end of the second half as Stam, Jordi Gomez and Beausejour all tried their best to get something back, but their back line had been the problem. Danny Welbeck went through the Wigan defense with no problem, teeing up Robin van Persie who made it 4-0 for United.

The Red Devils' dominating win at the DW Stadium asserted their 7-point lead against nearest contenders, local rivals Manchester City, who also won their match against Stoke. Sir Alex Ferguson and his side will be satisfied as they started off 2013 with a bang.