Manchester United need just four points from three games to claim the Premier League crown after brushing aside Manchester City.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, who earlier in the day announced he expects to leave Old Trafford in the summer, were on target before the break to settle a derby encounter in which the hosts were rarely troubled.
Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 18th minute as his free-kick took a wicked deflection off Nigel de Jong in the City wall to wrong-foot goalkeeper Shay Given, who got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out.
And the champions were two goals to the good on the stroke of half-time after Dimitar Berbatov's excellent control and pass found Carlos Tevez, who unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the box which curled home via the inside of the post.
Portugal ace Ronaldo was substituted before the hour mark, much to his disgust, and he spent a good part of the remainder of the match pulling glum faces and shaking his head as he sat on the on the bench.
The Red Devils can now secure the title before Liverpool play again as they travel to Wigan on Wednesday evening before welcoming Arsenal to Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.
Ricky Hatton's presence alongside Rio Ferdinand, who suffered a calf injury in training, ensured there would be plenty of banter in the directors' box as Park Ji-sung dragged his shot wide on United's first attack.
Tevez let fly with a long-range effort that did not really test Given but brought the first 'Argentina' chant from the home supporters.
Elano exchanged passes with Ireland, then fellow countryman Robinho before breaking into the United box, only to miscue his shot, which rolled disappointingly wide.
Ronaldo cut in off the left flank and curled a shot at the City goal which Given got right behind.
A brilliant piece of skill from Robinho took him past Rafael, although Nemanja Vidic was able to get back and clear away from Nedum Onuoha, who had charged up in support.
Highlight:
Manchester United v Manchester City
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