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Manchester United went eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after a hard-fought win over Blackburn.

Wayne Rooney lashed in a shot to put United ahead before a clinical Roque Santa Cruz finish levelled matters.

A Johnny Evans header was disallowed for the home side before Ryan Nelsen hit the post for the valiant visitors.

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C.Ronaldo 60′

Cristiano Ronaldo powered in a superb free-kick for United’s winner, although Morten Gamst Pedersen was denied what appeared a certain penalty late on.

Pedersen looked to have been pulled back by Rafael Da Silva when he was clean through on goal and left Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce fuming.

But Blackburn can be encouraged from their display as they gave a United side sweeping all before them their most stringent recent test.

They also have the honour of having scored a goal against a United side who had not conceded in 1337 minutes of action since 8 November, 2008 when United side were beaten by Arsenal.

THIS SEASON’S REVERSE FIXTURE

Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Manchester United

4 October 2008 – Ref: Steve Bennett
Man Utd scorers: Brown 31, Rooney 64