VIEW FROM THE PRESSBOX
This was not so much a narrow win as an economical one from a Manchester United that is moving with an easy pace through each tournament. Despite Birmingham City's spirited efforts, Roy Carroll, understudy for the injured Fabien Barthez, did not have a save with which to prove his worth. The goal from Ruud van Nistelrooy early in the second half was actually an ample advantage.
United have been floating through challenges. With six consecutive Premiership wins, everything is falling into place and now illustrious opponents are even keeling over. The Juventus attacker Alessandro Del Piero has pulled a thigh muscle and will miss the games with United that will form the core of their Champions League group.
Although Saturday's 2-0 success at St Mary's had been their first clean sheet of the season in an away Premiership game, the defensive record will improve not only through Rio Ferdinand's rising confidence, but also because the United pattern is being impressed on matches. The process took a while last night, but the Old Trafford hallmark was eventually stamped on another win.
The Telegraph
Ruud van Nistelrooy's 26th goal of a splendid season lifted resurgent Manchester United to within three points of defending champions Arsenal.
It looked as though Birmingham would be swamped early on as United launched a succession of raids but the nearest United came to snatching an interval lead, though, was when David Beckham cleverly located the breaking Paul Scholes on the edge of the six-yard area. An eighth goal in as many appearances beckoned for the England midfielder but his shot on the turn crashed against the underside of the crossbar and into the body of van Nistelrooy before he could react.
Van Nistelrooy had hardly figured before the interval but he soon demonstrated why opposing defenders cannot afford to ignore him.
Veron and Silvestre combined well down United's left flank but there still appeared to be no danger as the French full-back's cross found van Nistelrooy with his back to goal and with a cluster of opponents surrounding him. None of them could prevent him from swivelling, however, and forcing the ball into the bottom corner.
The Times
Jehovah's Witnesses and double-glazing salesmen will tell you, given the slightest encouragement, that knocking on doors can prove a dispiriting experience, but Manchester United are happy to persevere in the comfort that, sooner or later, the title race will open up.
They were never likely to be invited in for tea and biscuits at St Andrew's, as intimidating a venue as they will visit in the Barclaycard Premiership, but their persistence last night was rewarded by Ruud van Nistelrooy's 26th goal of the season, earning them three more precious points in their relentless pursuit of Arsenal.
Birmingham's lack of hospitality even extended to a missile thrown at David Beckham as he prepared to take a corner in the fifteenth minute but, on closer inspection, it was no more than a paper aeroplane that sailed past the United midfield player's ears. It was perhaps a metaphor for the evening, since the home side, for all their snapping at their opponents' heels, struggled to assemble anything truly meaningful to throw at a United defence that, aside from a difficult five-minute spell in the first half, always looked capable of protecting Roy Carroll, who was deputising in goal for the injured Fabien Barthez.
Van Nistelrooy's goal 11 minutes after the interval, a shot on the turn that took a slight deflection off Kenny Cunningham, left Sir Alex Ferguson happy before a weekend that he believes could prove pivotal in the title race. Victory against Manchester City at lunchtime on Sunday will put United level with Arsenal for at least a couple of hours before the conclusion of the North London team's match away to Newcastle United.
The Indie
Birmingham fought hard to keep what would have been only their fifth clean sheet and were lifted by the odd frisson of finesse from Christophe Dugarry. But United's poise and prodigious work rate told when Van Nistelrooy struck with a trademark close-range finish.
Birmingham have not won in nine competitive fixtures stretching back to December.
Bruce's players worked commendably to contain United though, with Matthew Upson enjoying a strong home debut in defence, but there was a feeling that United were simply waiting for their opportunity.
Paul Scholes, performing his now-familiar role of surging from deep areas, shook the woodwork shortly before half-time and was close on several other occasions.
Yet Birmingham were suddenly, if briefly, transformed: Dugarry's header from a Clemence corner forced Juan Veron to hoof off the line while Roy Carroll endured some uneasy moments in goal.
There were moments when United lived on their nerves. One such instance occurred shortly after the interval. John, chasing a through-ball, brushed against Mickael Silvestre and tumbled inside the penalty area, but Mr Dunn rightly waved aside Birmingham's appeals.
In the 55th minute, United's passing game paid a handsome dividend. Roy Keane's long diagonal ball picked out Silvestre on the left of the penalty area. Birmingham, perhaps hoping for an offside flag, temporarily froze before the Frenchman drilled the ball in.
Van Nistelrooy, receiving with his back to goal and defenders breathing down his neck, managed to manoeuvre himself into a shooting position. A low shot left Nico Vaesen helpless and, no doubt, Arsenal disappointed.