Manchester United brushed aside an overmatched Sunderland in a routine 3-1 victory at Old Trafford on Saturday to ensure Alex Ferguson's side will be top of the Premier League at Christmas.
Robin van Persie opened the scoring when he fired into the top left corner in the 16th minute after being set up by Ashley Young, and Tom Cleverley doubled the advantage by turning in a pass from Michael Carrick three minutes later.
Despite several Sunderland chances at the start of the second half, United stretched its lead through Wayne Rooney in the 59th when the striker converted a pass from Van Persie. The visitors scored a consolation goal in the 72nd through Fraizer Campbell.
The league title has been won by the team that was top of the standings at Christmas in each of the past three seasons.
To watch Ines Sainz's Goal Show, click here.
To read Cuauhtemoc Blanco's take on the amazing Lionel Messi and his experience with Miguel Calero, click here.
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Manchester United's Wayne Rooney celebrates his goal against Sunderland during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, December 15, 2012.
Photo: REUTERS
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Manchester United's Phil Jones (top) collides with Sunderland's Craig Gardner during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, December 15, 2012.
Photo: REUTERS
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Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (L) celebrates his goal against Sunderland with Tom Cleverley during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, December 15, 2012.
Photo: REUTERS
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Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (L) scores against Sunderland during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, December 15, 2012.
Photo: REUTERS
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Manchester United's Tom Cleverley (R) celebrates his goal against Sunderland during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, December 15, 2012.
Photo: REUTERS
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A robin stands on the pitch as Manchester United plays Sunderland in their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, December 15, 2012.
Photo: REUTERS
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Manchester United's Robin van Persie celebrates his goal against Sunderland during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, December 15, 2012.
Photo: REUTERS
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Manchester United's Tom Cleverley (L) scores past Sunderland's Simon Mignolet during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, December 15, 2012.
Photo: REUTERS
