Rafael, Giggs score as Manchester United takes 15-point lead

London, England, United Kingdom (4E Sports) – Brazilian defender Rafael and veteran Ryan Giggs scored in each half as Manchester United strengthened its grip on the Premier League lead with a 2-0 triumph over Queens Park Rangers Saturday at Loftus Road Stadium.

Rafael broke a scoreless tie with a goal in the 23rd minute before Giggs secured the victory with a score 10 minutes from time.

The win put United 15 points clear of closest rival and defending champion Manchester City, which needs a home win against Chelsea Sunday to cut the deficit and stay in contention.

“It is a good position but you know the way we approach it is to win our next game. That is the best way to do it, carry on doing that. I think [the win] was more about determination and concentration at the back, in particular,” said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The victory, however, was marred by injury to leading goal scorer Robin van Persie, who fell awkwardly after colliding with a camera.

“It seems he hit the base of it, and he has got a very bruised hip,” Ferguson said.

With the loss, Queens Park Rangers dropped seven points away from safety with 11 games remaining. However, Haryy Redknapp believes his team can get out of the cellar.

“This leaves us bottom today, but we won’t be bottom at the end of the season. I still feel we’ll get out of it. Every game is important, they will be tough games,” he said.

Meanwhile, Arsenal edged closer to fourth place after a close 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

Midfielder Santi Carloza scored two goals for Arsenal, including one in the last five minutes to lift Arsenal to victory, moving them one point away from fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur.

In other games Wigan Athletic beat Reading, 3-0; West Bromwich Albion overcame Sunderland, 2-1; Fulham blanked Stoke City, 1-0; and Norwich City edged Everton, 2-1.

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