Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot as Manchester United beat Everton 1-0 on Saturday to open up a five-point gap at the top of the Premier League.

The English, European and world champions' victory at Old Trafford added to the pressure on title rivals Chelsea and Liverpool, second and third respectively, ahead of their meeting at Anfield on Sunday.

Ronaldo struck the decisive blow a minute before half-time after England midfielder Michael Carrick was tripped in the box by Mikel Arteta.

During the course of the match United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar set a new English league record for most minutes without conceding a goal.

The 38-year-old Dutch international has now not been beaten for 1,121 minutes - more than 18-and-a-half hours - a run of 12 straight clean sheets.

"Edwin van der Sar brings absolute calm and assurance to the players," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I couldn't believe it when I read in the paper that the last goal we conceded was at Arsenal in November.

"Over the last 12 games we've repeatedly had to change the back four, which says a lot about everyone who has come in and done their job. But you have to give great credit to Edwin."

Ferguson, looking ahead to Sunday's match, added: "I'm hoping for a draw. We've got an advantage, that's all.

"We can't say it is a great advantage with the number of games we've got left. But we would rather be top of the league than anywhere else."

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