By Chris,
March 17 2008

Manchester United were made to sweat by Derby on Saturday but returned to the top of the Premier League table thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Both sides had a number of excellent opportunities over the course of the game, but it was Cristiano Ronaldo who settled the scrap as he bundled home a 76th-minute winner to deny the Rams a share of the spoils.

Derby came into the game on the back of a 6-1 drubbing from Chelsea - but they performed bravely and can count themselves unlucky not to have snatched a point from the game.

Ben Foster had to make two excellent saves to deny Kenny Miller before the break; but it wasn’t to be for the rock-bottom Rams.

United were keen to prove their attacking prowess after missing a hatful of chances against Portsmouth – but ex-Red Roy Carroll frustrated his former club for long periods with a series of impressive saves.

The goal came with fourteen minutes to go as Ronaldo shrugged off two Derby defenders to volley home a Wayne Rooney cross from ten yards out. It was 22nd league goal of the season and could prove crucial to United's title ambitions this season.

Arsenal drew once again – well done Middlesbrough – meaning we go a point clear at the table. Meanwhile, Chelsea continue their impressive run of form with a win at Sunderland as Avram Grant’s men lurk menacingly in third place.

Next up is an all Lancashire-clash with struggling Bolton Wanderers.

Full Time – Derby County 0-1 Manchester United
Attendance – 33,072