O'Shea puts Utd in sight of the title

John O'Shea secured a last-ditch victory for Manchester United, who had Paul Scholes sent off for violent conduct in the closing minutes.

Scholes had swung a punch at Xabi Alonso, and will now miss three games of United's title run-in.

United also lost Wayne Rooney with a knee injury that may prevent him facing Lille in the Champions League next week. But in injury time O'Shea struck from close range for a win that could seal the title for United.

United lost Rooney after a foul by Carragher cost the Liverpool man a booking. Rooney had damaged his knee and limped away to be replaced by John O'Shea.

Peter Crouch was sent on for Mohamed Sissoko, and in the 80th minute Neville was cautioned for bringing down Pennant.

Four minutes from time Scholes was sent off for swinging an arm at Alonso but missing. The Spaniard had been holding the United man's arm, and having already been booked was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card.

Van der Sar saved superbly from a Crouch shot, but in injury time United stole the points when O'Shea scored after a Ronaldo free-kick had rebounded off Jose Reina.