London, England

Wayne Rooney scored his 11th goal as Manchester United moved closer to a record 13th Premier League title with a 1-0 triumph over Reading at Old Trafford.

Rooney delivered the game's lone goal in the 21st minute from an assist by Rio Ferdinand to put Manchester United 15 points clear of closest rival and defending champion Manchester City with nine games remaining.

Manchester United needs just 13 points to clinch a record 13th Premier League title and 20th overall crown.

"The team has shown great consistency and played a lot of great football. Our goal difference is big over City now - 13 goals. It's a great position to be in, but the only thing we can do is win our next game," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Earlier, a depleted Everton side delivered a big blow to Manchester City's title hopes with a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park.

Leon Osman scored from long range after 32 minutes while Nikica Jelavic added a score in injury time to secure the victory.

In other games, Christian Benteke delivered a goal in the 81st minute to carry Aston Villa to a crucial 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers.

Jermaine Jenas had given QPR the lead in the 23rd minute but Gabriel Agbonlahor equalized on the stroke of half-time.

Andreas Weimann put the home side ahead in the 59th minute but Andros Townsend tied the count in the 73rd minute before Benteke got the winner with nine minutes remaining, putting Villa six points above the relegation zone.

Southampton eased their fears by beating in-form Liverpool, 3-1, behind goals from Morgan Schneiderlin, Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez.

Schneiderlin and Rickie Lambert put Southampton up 2-0 but Philippe Coutinho pulled a goal back for Liverpool at the break. Jay Rodriguez then secured the win with a goal in the 80th minute.

Nacho Monreal and Gervinho scored as Arsenal defeated Swansea City, 2-0, to move to fifth while Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion battled to a scoreless draw.