Manchester United strengthened their grip at the top of the table with a 3-0 defeat of Liverpool. Wes Brown had headed United ahead after 34 minutes before Liverpool were reduced to 10 men when Javier Mascherano, booked earlier, was sent off for dissent just before half-time.

Liverpool fought gamely after the break but Cristiano Ronaldo and then Nani inflicted deeper wounds with goals in the final quarter.