In two other all-Premier League clashes, Blackburn Rovers came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Charlton Athletic while Wigan Athletic overcame Newcastle United 1-0.

Middlesbrough also came from behind to beat second division Crystal Palace 2-1 while Bolton Wanderers against Leicester City went into extra-time after 90 goalless minutes.

United's game was preceded by an emotional farewell ceremony for their former winger Best, who died on Friday at the age of 59.

After Best's team mates from the 1968 European Cup-winning team had formed a guard of honour on the pitch, United wasted little time in taking control with two goals in the first 16 minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo, in the same number seven shirt often worn by Best in the late 1960s and early 1970s, opened the scoring with a penalty after being tripped.

Louis Saha then fired in the second from the edge of the box.

United, fielding a strong side, made it 3-0 in the 56th minute when John O'Shea crashed home a shot after a neat combination with Saha.

Nathan Ellington headed a late reply for Albion but it could not spoil a memorable night for the United fans, who spent most of the second half singing the praises of Best.

Wigan, who are enjoying a dream first season in the top flight, poured forward from the start at the JJB Stadium and only wayward finishing and fine goalkeeping by Shay Given kept Newcastle in the game despite the home side fielding several reserves.

The action continued apace after the break with Newcastle much-improved but the only goal came with a David Connolly penalty four minutes from time after Robbie Elliott hauled down Jason Roberts.

-Nampa-Reuters

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