Manchester United have regained their 15-point lead at the top of the Premier League table by recording a comfortable 2-0 win at Stoke City.
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The result, which came courtesy of goals from Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie, leaves the Potters just three points clear of the relegation zone, having played two more games than 18th-placed Wigan Athletic.
It took United just four minutes to break the deadlock at a windy Britannia Stadium.
Both Kenwyne Jones and Geoff Cameron failed in their attempts to clear Van Persie's inswinging corner, allowing Carrick to run from deep and poke home from eight yards.
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Robert Huth came close to levelling the scores midway through the first half, but he headed just wide following Glenn Whelan's whipped free kick.
Wayne Rooney twice threatened Asmir Begovic's goal from long range, before United finally extended their lead on 66 minutes.
A clever turn by Van Persie drew a foul out of a sliding Andy Wilkinson and, despite having not scored in over twelve-and-a-half hours for the Red Devils, the Dutchman decided to take the resultant spot kick himself.
He converted from 12 yards with style, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom left corner to register his 20th Premier League goal of the season.
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Stoke boss Tony Pulis brought on Michael Owen and Peter Crouch late in the game, but the former England strike duo were unable to have any effect on the contest, as United saw out the final minutes untroubled.
Robert Summerscales
