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Carlos Tevez and Michael Carrick scored the other goals as United survived the second half with only 10 men - after the sending-off of Nani- to move three points clear of Chelsea at the top.

Chelsea can pull level again by winning at Newcastle on Monday night but after that, with a superior goal difference and only one more game remaining for each side next weekend, United are in the driving seat.

West Ham have been a thorn in United's side at times in recent years but from the moment Ronaldo put them in front after five minutes, there was only one winner.

The Portugal forward scored his second of the day and 40th of the season, in all competitions, on 24 minutes and Tevez hammered one in from 30 yards to make it 3-0 two minutes later.

Dean Ashton pulled one back with a spectacular over-head kick on 28 minutes and West Ham were given more hope when Nani was sent off just before half-time for head-butting Lucas Neill.

But United were just as in control with 10 men as they had been with 11 and Carrick waltzed through the midfield before his long-range shot was deflected in for United's fourth.

Later on Saturday, the relegation picture could become a bit clearer with the four sides still scrapping for safety - Reading, Bolton, Birmingham and Fulham - all in action.