An depleted Manchester United team sealed qualification to the Champions League and another three points in the Premier League.

A Saturday evening clash against Blackburn saw the team looking bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat at arch rivals Liverpool. However, the opening half hour saw United struggle to break down the hard working opposition led by manager Sam Allardyce.

It took until nine minutes into the second half for the deadline to be broken. A weak cross shot from Patrice Evra saw Dimitar Berbatov flick the ball up before striking a sublime volley back to goal past Paul Robinson. United had chances to add to their total but were largely wasteful in front of goal.

Nevertheless, a drilled cross from Anderson saw Wayne Rooney flick a fantastic left foot volley into the far corner for a 2-0 lead in the87th minute. Blackburn could have had a consolation goal but Nikola Kalinic’s effort, which proved to be onside, was wrongly ruled out.

The points moved United to within two points of leaders Chelsea as the title race begins to heat up.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men also managed to secure their place in the Champions League knock out stages with a memorable comeback at home to CSKA Moscow.

Three first half goals from the Russians saw them hold a 3-1 lead at half time with Michael Owen’s close range drive being the only success for United. However, the introduction of Wayne Rooney from the bench sparked the team into life and they began to test goalkeeper Akinfeev on a more regular basis.

With six minutes to go, Paul Scholes headed in from a Gary Neville free kick before Antonio Valencia’s long range shot deflected off the Moscow defender to earn a superb point which sees them qualify with two games to go.