Premier League results - Matchday 30: Manchester United 1-0 Reading

Rooney’s deflected shot earned Manchester United victory and sent them 15 points clear of arch rivals Manchester City.

Sir Alex Ferguson has reshuffled his side with Rafael, Cleverley, Evra and Carrick all being dropped out from the first team with Smalling, Buttner, Anderson and Young replacing them on the pitch. Apparently United starting line-up was not as strong as one would expect from the side claiming Premier League title. However the Red Devils did just enough to see off the challenge of the bottom dwelling Reading.

The match began in controversial circumstances as Reading were denied claims by Adrian Mariappa for a penalty. With both sides struggling to create chances it was Wayne Rooney who managed to score the much-needed match-winning goal, even though massively deflected, from Ferdinand’s delivery.

The victory is a major step forward on United’s way of claiming their 20th Premier League title as it allowed Manchester United to open 15-point gap at the top which is virtually impossible to bridge.