United take giant title step

They might not have clinched the title at Ewood Park last night, like they did last season, but Manchester United took a huge stride towards securing a record 20th crown at the venue.

Eleven months ago, Wayne Rooney’s equalising penalty in a 1-1 draw sparked scenes of celebration from United’s travelling masses.

Last night, late goals by Antonio Valencia, a sublime finish from an acute angle, and Ashley Young sent Sir Alex Ferguson’s side five points clear at the top with seven games remaining while condemning Blackburn to the bottom three.