Van Persie strike seals United win

Robin van Persie's 17th goal of the season ensured Manchester United claimed yet another scalp on their march towards what they hope will be a 20th league title at Old Trafford, with a 2-0 win against West Brom.

Yet the performance of skipper Nemanja Vidic was equally notable, as he guided United to only their fourth Premier League clean sheet of the season after Gareth McAuley's early own goal had put the hosts in front against West Brom.

Plagued by injury for the past 16 months, and restored to the United line-up for the only the second time since his most recent knee operation, Serbian Vidic ensured the hosts were not made to pay for a lacklustre second-half display. And when Van Persie curled home a brilliant effort in the final minute, the Red Devils' seven-point lead at the top was preserved.

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