Berbatov's brace helps United down Sunderland

Manchester: Dimitar Berbatov's double allowed Manchester United to strengthen its grip on the Premier League lead with a convincing 2-0 victory on Sunday over a depleted Sunderland.

The Bulgaria striker nodded Wayne Rooney's lofted cross into the net after five minutes and also hit the post during a first-half onslaught.

Berbatov was on target again — slightly fortuitously — when a 57th-minute strike deflected off Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand past goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

Unbeaten in the league all season, United has a two-point lead — and two games in hand — over crosstown rival Manchester City, which won 3-1 at Newcastle.

Arsenal is five points behind United in third having played the same number of matches as the leaders.