Nani's strike sends United three points clear

 By Ian Wilkerson 1:55PM 5 JAN 2011 MANCHESTER UNITED were trimmed to 10-11 from evens to win the Premier League after seizing a three-point lead at the top ofthe standings with a 2-1 win against Stoke at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Hills go 10-1 that they remain unbeaten this season.

RELATED LINKS 25 pounds free bet Bet In-Play now  The Red Devils, who still have a game in hand over nearest pursuers and bitter rivalsManchester City, led at the break thanks to Javier Hernandez’s 27th minute strike. And although Stoke pulled one back early in the second half  through Dean Whitehead, Nani put the home side back in front 12 minutes later.

Elsewhere, Fulham and Birmingham fired themselves out of the relegation zone with a 3-0 victory at home to West Brom and a 2-1 win away at Blackpool respectively.

Three more football league managers were shown the door pn Tuesday, to add to Crystal Palace’s George Burley and Barnet’s Mark Stimson who were both sacked on New Year’s Day.

The most high-profile departure  was at Charlton where Phil Parkinson left after three years at the helm.

The Addicks are just three points behind Southampton – the occupants of the second promotion place in League One, but they are on a run of just one win from their last eight matches following Monday’s 4-2 loss at home to Swindon.

Dennis Wise was quickly backed in to 1-3 to take over, and  Ladbrokes subsequently took the market down.

Chris Hutchings has left Walsall after a 4-1 defeat at Peterborough proved to be the final straw for the Saddlers, who are eight points from safety in League One.

Paul Simpson has left Stockport after just six months at Edgeley Park. The Hatters have won just once on their own patch this season and are four points off the bottom of League Two.

With eight departures having occurred since December 29, Paddy Power fancy that Roy Keane may be on borrowed time at Championship strugglers Ipswich.

He is 4-9 to be out by the end of the campaign with former Newcastle supremo Chris Hughton 9-4 to take over.

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