The six shooters: United widen the gap but lose Evra

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Carrick gave Sir Alex Ferguson's men the perfect start after four minutes when he tucked home Cristiano Ronaldo's astute through-ball.

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Quick start: Michael Carrick gives Manchester United an early lead in an easy victory over Sheffield United at Old Trafford

But, with their defensive resources already so thin that Darren Fletcher had to start at right back, United lost Patrice Evra, the victim of a crude lunge by Colin Kazim-Richards.

The leaders — who have played one game more than Chelsea, visitors to West Ham tonight — also had Alan Smith and Wayne Rooney booked in the first half by referee Rob Styles for rash tackles. Ronaldo was shown a yellow card midway through the second half after an altercation with Chris Morgan.

Rooney eased the pressure on United with a fierce cross-shot past Paddy Kenny after being released by Ryan Giggs five minutes into the second half.

United received a further boost yesterday with news that Bayern Munich have finally told them they are ready to sell Owen Hargreaves this summer.

Ferguson met Bayern officials last week when he was in Bavaria for the German club's Champions League semi-final loss to Milan and returned to report that the deal is now a relative formality.

Bayern have told Ferguson they will do the deal for the England midfielder as soon as the season is over, as long as United meet their asking price of £18million.

United wanted to sign Hargreaves last summer and, although Bayern held out that time, the midfielder's desire to move to Old Trafford is such that the Bundesliga club have decided to cash in.