Derby 0

Man Utd 1

Ronaldo 76

Derby 0 Manchester United 1 March 15 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo's second-half strike spared Manchester United from potential embarrassment as the Red Devils won 1-0 at rock-bottom Derby.

United dominated the opening half hour and wasted numerous chance to take the lead, with Ryan Giggs and Ronaldo most culperable.

Ronaldo came closest on 12 minutes when he struck Roy Carroll's post before Derby nearly United pay for the profligacy.

Ben Foster was forced into two fine saves to deny Mile Sterjovski and Kenny Miller an unlikely opening goal.

Ronaldo was denied twice in a minute by Carroll's chest early in the second half, but the Portuguese winger finally made the breakthrough on 76 minutes, side-footing home Wayne Rooney's cross from close range.

Ronaldo was denied again in the closing stages by Carroll as United kept the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.