The title is United's to lose

Manchester United's victory over Everton wasn't an aesthetically pleasing affair, much like the encounter between the two sides last season. It wasn't the pulsating, end to end 4-4 draw that all but cost United the title after Sir Alex Ferguson's side were pegged back from 4-2 up with minutes to go and seemingly set to wrap up the Premier League title.

Rather, the 2-0 victory was nothing more than a routine display from the Manchester giants as they looked to capitalise on rivals Manchester City's disappointing 3-1 defeat at the hands of Southampton the previous evening.

And that they did. Despite United, at times, being overplayed, especially following Ryan Giggs' opener, they ensured that victory was but a formality with some imperious defending, most notably from captain Nemanja Vidic.

Granted, the nullification of Everton's attacking threat meant the game wasn't as free flowing as many had originally envisioned, but the dogged gameplan which Ferguson had set out to ensure the three points were picked up worked to perfection.

With it, United are now 12 points clear with 12 games to go with some betting agencies even paying out to those that back the club to win the title outright back in August. It's fair to say that, despite their being 12 games to go still, the title is theirs to lose.

While we may not see any Kevin Keegan style 'love it' outbursts from Ferguson between now and May, the fact of the matter is they have one hand on the title and are slowly wrestling City's hand off the other side.  

Follow @BenMcAleer1