BLACKBURN Rovers proved stubborn opponents at Old Trafford but Manchester United finally claimed the points after a powerful second half fightback.

Rovers led thanks to a typically predatory first half goal from Matt Derbyshire, the striker claiming his seventh of the season following a fumble by Edwin Van Der Sar.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson's Premier League champions-in-waiting came on strongly after the break, and they edged a step closer to the title thanks to goals from Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Ji-Sung Park and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Rovers had started brightly enough and they might have taken a shock second minute lead had David Dunn hit the target after a neat exchange with Benni McCarthy.

Brad Friedel then had to react sharply to deny Wayne Rooney at the opposite end, but Rovers then drew first blood in the 29th minute.

Morten Gamst Pedersen's cross towards the near post was sliced goalwards by Michael Carrick, and as Van Der Sar fumbled, Derbyshire raced in to gobble up the rebound.

United had chances to equalise before the break, but Friedel denied Rooney again, and Ronaldo drilled another effort wide.

However, the Reds emerged a completely different side after the break and killed off Rovers' challenge with ruthless efficiency during the final half hour.

Scholes grabbed the equaliser in fine style in the 61st minute, dummying two defenders before beating Friedel comprehensively.

Then Carrick put them 2-1 ahead 11 minutes later, side-footing home at the far post following a low cross from Ronaldo.

Park grabbed the third after Friedel could only parry a Ronaldo free kick in the 83rd minute, and in the final minute substitute Solskjaer gave the scoreline a rather flattering look when he made it 4-1 after a run by Rooney.

Man United: Van Der Sar, Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand, Heinze, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Park, Rooney, Giggs. Subs: O'Shea (for Vidic, 28), Smith (for Giggs, 84), Solskjaer (for Ronaldo, 84) Not used: Richardson, Kuszczak Rovers: Friedel, Emerton, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Dunn, Tugay, Mokoena, Pedersen, McCarthy, Derbyshire. Subs: Roberts (for McCarthy, 69), Peter (for Tugay, 75) Not used: Nonda, Henchoz, Enckelman