United were without Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs - but still claimed all three points against Lancashire rivals Blackburn on Saturday.

It certainly wasn't a game to remember - and the drab atmosphere and pitiful following from Ewood Park didn't help matters, but United did enough to see off Sam Allardyce's men and remain within two points of Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Blackburn, who saw their build-up to this game disrupted by a swine flu outbreak, were very unadventurous and rarely threatened Edwin van der Sar's goal.

However, the visitors' dogged approach frustrated the Champions for long periods, until Berbatov broke the deadlock with an excellent flick.                                                                                                                                                 

Berba had seen a first-half strike ruled out for offside, but there was no denying his strike nine minutes into the second period. He flicked up Patrice Evra's tame cross, turned on the spot and volleyed a sublime solo move beyond Paul Robinson. Some great trickery, and a treat for the fans (boom, boom!).

The Bulgarian's excellent effort woke up the majority of the 74,658 crowd - whom had been unbelievably subdued throughout the opening period - and United's support were pleased to see Gabriel Obertan make his first league appearance as he replaced the largely ineffective Nani.

Battling Blackburn kept fighting - but were struggling to carve open United's makeshift but solid back four. Their chances of stealing a share of the spoils evaporated when Wayne Rooney doubled United's advantage with a delicious volley from Anderson's cross.

Rovers were denied late consolation through offside - and will feel a little aggrieved that they didn't grab something for their endeavours. However, a below-par United still had too much in the locker for struggling Blackburn and can now look forward to welcoming CSKA Moscow to Old Trafford during the week.

Full Time - Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn Rovers
Attendance - 74,658

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