Manchester United vs. Blackburn Rovers

Berbatov made the breakthrough with a neat volley in the 55th minute and Rooney sewed the points up two minutes from time.

United should have extended the scoreline but substitute Gabriel Obertan missed two sitters on his league debut.

The champions endured a frustrating first half against a disciplined Rovers side as it took them nearly half-n-hour to being to threaten but a combination of poor finishing and disciplined defending protected the visitors’ goal.

Berbatov nearly made the breakthrough with a downward header following a cross from Valencia.

However goalkeeper Paul Robinson reacted superbly and turned the Bulgarian's effort over the bar.

It was brief respite for the visitors as Berbatov was again denied by Robinson in the 34th minute after being set up by Rooney.

United pushed forward in the 53rd minute after Nani won the ball off Gael Givet.

The midfielder attempted to release Rooney but the pass was hopelessly misplaced and the move broke down.

An impatient home crowd urged their side forward after the break and it took less than ten minutes for the deadlock to finally be broken and it was little surprise that it was that man Berbatov who supplied the finish.

Valencia instigated the move, finding John O’Shea whose cross found Patrice Evra. The Frenchman tried a shot from range which instead fell to Berbatov who controlled the ball before turning and firing a superb strike low and into the bottom corner.

United boss Ferguson decided to make a change after 64 minutes bringing on Obertan for the ineffective Nani.

Within seconds of his arrival, he almost made a dream start in the 67th minute following a defence splitting pass by Anderson., Obertan raced away only to send a weak shot into the arms of a grateful Robinson.

However, with just ten minutes left on the clock, Rooney made the game safe. A great cross from the left by Obertan reached Anderson who found the England international and with his first touch he swept it past Robinson and into the far corner to seal all three points.

Rovers still had chances but ultimately it was United's day and the perfect response to last weekend’s Anfield defeat.