Manchester United cemented third spot and moved four points clear of neighbours Manchester City with a crushing 4-2 victory over the Premier League champions at Old Trafford on Sunday.
After four consecutive defeats in the derby, United produced a flowing performance, recovering from falling behind to heap more misery on their faltering neighbours.
Sergio Aguero put the visitors ahead after eight minutes but Ashley Young grabbed an equaliser six minutes later before an unmarked Marouane Fellaini headed United in front in an explosive first period. Juan Mata and Chris Smalling scored in quick succession in the second period to put United firmly in control before Aguero pulled a consolation goal back for City.
Louis van Gaal's side have now won six successive Premier League games and have 65 points from 32 matches, one less than second-placed Arsenal, but four more than City with six matches remaining this season.
Cesc Fabregas scored an 88th minute winner as Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points with an unconvincing 1-0 win against a spirited Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Sunday.
Spain international Fabregas, criticised for his drop in form since Christmas, burst into the box before cooly dispatching Eden Hazard's lay-off to seal an undeserved victory in the west London derby.
QPR, embroiled in relegation battle, were the more dangerous team throughout and created a number of chances but were thwarted by visiting goalkeeper Thibault Courtois.
Chelsea dominated possession but, in the absence of injured forwards Diego Costa and Loic Remy, failed to register a shot on target before Fabregas's intervention.
Chelsea have 73 points from 31 games but have a game in hand of second-placed Arsenal, whom they play on April 26.
QPR remain 18th, two points behind Hull City -- the side immediately above the relegation zone.
