Arsenal, fifth and 17 points of the leader was down in the race for the title after their tie with whistles hosted by the Emirates Stadium against Sunderland (0-0).
While the Red Devils are not weakened and get tenth consecutive victory against a team in decline positions, the tie is achieved by the cold blood of Paraguayan Roque Santa Cruz (32) ended with an incredible run of 15 matches without a goal fit.
But unlike the competitors, was able to impose the Manchester United thanks to a goal from Wayne Rooney (23), followed by a work of art coup franc Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo (60).
The Dutch coach Guus Hiddink was premiered yesterday at the helm of Chelsea with a convincing 1-0 victory at Aston Villa, which places the whole of London in third place.
Had long dominated the Blues not so clear. The 15th goal of the season for Nicolas Anelka of Chelsea's work rewarded.