United cruise as own goal puts Liverpool behind against Rovers

Manchester United are two up on Wigan at the break after referee Phil Dowd issued a controversial red card against Republic of Ireland player Connor Sammon.

United are looking to capitalise on any slip from their rivals and took an early lead against relegation-battlers Wigan at Old Trafford when Park Ji-sung converted in the eighth minute following good work from full-back Patrice Evra.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men just before the break when Sammon was shown a straight red card by Dowd for raising his arm when backing into Michael Carrick.

United soon made their advantage count as Dimitar Berbatov made it 2-0 in the 40th minute.

Bottom club Blackburn snatched a shock half-time lead over Liverpool at Anfield when Charlie Adam put the ball into his own net after a corner from Morten Gamst Pedersen.

Leaders City were being held goalless by West Brom at The Hawthorns, although Mario Balotelli had an effort chalked out for offside after 33 minutes.

Sunderland aimed to continue their revival under new boss Martin O’Neill as they led Everton 1-0 at The Stadium of Light when Jack Colback’s 26th-minute effort deflected over keeper Tim Howard off Sylvain Distin.

Bolton and Newcastle was 0-0 at the break.

This evening’s game will see Stoke host Aston Villa.