United win Manchester derby to go nine points clear

LONDON, Dec 9 (Reuters) Manchester United surged nine points clear at the top of the Premier League with an anxious 3-1 derby victory over Manchester City today.

City had not won a league game at Old Trafford since 1974 and their hopes of ending that depressing sequence were dashed as Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha struck before halftime.

Hatem Trabelsi pulled a goal back for City after 72 minutes but Cristiano Ronaldo eased United's jitters when he tucked in the third with six minutes remaining. City then had Bernardo Corradi sent off in stoppage time when he was shown a second yellow card for diving.

United, unbeaten in the league since losing at home to Arsenal in September, have 44 points from 17 games with champions Chelsea, who play Arsenal on Sunday, back on 35 points from 15 games.

REUTERS AY RAI2046