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.

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.

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has extended his contract with the club until 2012. The centre-back, 26, whose old deal ran out in 2010, moved to United for £7m from Spartak Moscow in Janaury 2006.

The Serb international was unconvincingly initially but did not take long to find his form to help United to the title last season.

Manchester United qualified for the Champions League knockout stage after a comfortable win against Dynamo Kiev.

United made five changes to the team that drew 2-2 at Arsenal, and it took a while for Sir Alex Ferguson's side to get into their stride.

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has only one fear - flying.

"I'm starting to get more worried each time I fly," he said. "My wife isn't very good on planes and the more travelling I do with her the more she makes me nervous."

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic says he's become a better player working alongside his star teammates.

Vidic says training with players like Rooney, Anderson, Ronaldo, Nani, Tevez and Saha has helped him become a better player.

Rio Ferdinand says his partnership with Manchester United defensive teammate Nemanja Vidic is the best he's ever been involved in.

"I think it is the most comfortable partnership I have ever had," said Ferdinand. "It is the most consistent and most productive. We have been playing week in week out for the last 18 months and I have never really had that long before with the same person.

William Gallas equalised in injury-time to salvage a draw and keep Arsenal on top of the Premier League after an absorbing clash with Manchester United.

The opening 45 minutes proved an anti-climax until Gallas diverted Rooney's tame shot in on the stroke of half-time.