Manchester United have moved ever loser to clinching another Premier League title after their derby win over adverse rivals Manchester City.
City now have to win both their remaining games to stand any chance of clinching seventh place and the much coveted European qualification.
Cristiano Ronaldo put United ahead after his deflected free-kick clipped Nigel De Jong on its way through, keeper Shay Given managed to get a hand to the ball but was unable to keep it out.
Argentina international Carlos Tevez stressed his resignation at leaving his club before the game but gave every reason for Ferguson to pay his £30m price tag after a superb 20-yard shot which went in off the post to double United`s lead.
Premier League record signing Robinho squandered Manchester City’s best opportunity after shooting wide after a beautifully flighted ball from De Jong played him through on goal.
Manchester United started the game confidently moving the ball around quickly and almost scoring in the early stages, Ronaldo playing in Korean Ji-Sung Park, who dragged his shot across the goal and wide of the far post.
United continued to pass the ball around well before Vincent Kompany lost possession in the City half with Dietmar Berbatov closing in on goal.
Stephen Ireland got back to tackle the Bulgarian but was adjudged to have fouled him by the referee giving United a well placed free-kick around 25-yeards out.
Ronaldo scored the resulting free-kick, the low shot deflecting off of De Jong to wrong-foot Shay Given and cross the line even after the Ireland keeper managing it get a hand to it.
City`s top scorer Robinho attempted to claw one back for the visitors but the Brazilian shot wide, another poor effort as City struggled to create and take their chances.
With some poor passing by City losing the ball all over the pitch, it was only a matter of time before United found opportunities to score, Carlos Tevez almost doubling United`s lead after curling a strike against the woodwork, Given well and truly beaten.
Just before half-time United`s domination shined through as Tevez hit the woodwork again, this time the ball going in off the upright.
Berbatov controlled a cross from Darren Fletcher on the edge of the area, squaring the ball to the Argentine who hit a beauty in off the inside of the post to give United a commanding lead.
Half-time: Manchester United 2 Manchester City 0
After the break, City started with purpose and promise as they pressed for a goal to get back into the contest, Robinho having the best chance of the match.
The Brazilian expertly controlled a fantastic through ball from Dutch international Nigel de Jong but sent his effort well wide.
Hughes will take heart at City`s spirited performance but his side lacked any real penetration up front, the United defense (most notably Nemanja Vidic) held resolute and without a box-to-box midfielder, City had trouble linking defense with attack.
Late in the game Martin Petrov forced an excellent save from United keeper Edwin van der Sar who was at full stretch to turn his shot round the post.
With the game drawing to a close, the unsettled Tevez managed to hit the post yet again as United strived to underline the benchmark at which City need to be in order to compete with the best.
Ronaldo`s comedy reaction when he was substituted for Wayne Rooney will serve as little consolation for the blue half of Manchester who will no doubt be laying low for a few days.
Full-time: Manchester United 2 Manchester City 0
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