Rio Ferdinand has praised United's talismanic duo Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo for their recent performances, but he warns that the pair must maintain their form in order to fire the Reds to glory this season.

Rio Ferdinand admits Manchester United's six-goal second-half against Newcastle was inspired by a "telling off" from manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferdinand, who scored in the romp, said: "The first half was a bit stop-start, we didn't finish our chances and were frustrated.

"We got a bit of a telling-off at half-time but came out and produced the goods."

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is remaining upbeat about the Reds' title hopes - despite losing to his brother over Christmas.

RIO Ferdinand has claimed victory at Anfield for Manchester United tasted especially sweet this season because Liverpool have started to fancy their title chances once more.

Manchester United overcame Derby's resilience to move within a point of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Derby's lack of a serious attacking threat was always going to limit their hopes of upsetting the champions. And United's midfield, which included Michael Carrick as a late replacement after Owen Hargreaves was injured in the warm-up, gradually took a grip on the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to help Manchester United see off Fulham and move second, closing the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to three points.

Kuszczak and flew in at his near post. They could have added a second almost instantly, but Liedson's finish was ruled out for offside - a marginal decision at best.

As United struggled to maintain any attacking rhythm, Sporting were shooting on sight and Anderson Polga shocked Kuszczak with a snap-shot that the keeper held at the second attempt.

Gary Megson claimed his first win in charge of Bolton with the unlikely scalp of Manchester United, thanks to Nicolas Anelka's early strike.

United experienced their only previous league defeat this season back in August - against Manchester City - whereas that same month marked Bolton's only win in the Premier League - 3-0 against Reading.

Manchester United moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's double.

Prior to Saturday Blackburn had recorded seven wins in eight games and initially Rovers more than matched United, with strikers Roque Santa Cruz and Benni McCarthy looking lively.

Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves, Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown are all in contention for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford after being rested for the midweek win over Dynamo Kyiv.

The quartet watched from the stands as the Reds thrashed the Ukrainians 4-0, booking their place in the Champions League knockout stages.