Red Devils boss Ferguson could not hide his delight after he saw his side thump hopeless West Ham and go clear at the top of the table.

Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and a spectacular strike from Tevez saw Manchester United go 3 goals clear in the first half.

An agile over head kick from Dean Ashton gave the London side hope but they were pegged back further by former Hammer Michael Carrick. The only sour note for United was the sending off of Nani for a heabutt on Lucas Neil.

The Premiership crown is now almost certain to work its way back into the Old Trafford trophy cabinet and Sir Alex was in high spirits.

"That was an important game today," he declared. "We went down to 10 men and that maybe created a bit of nervousness in the team.

"But during the second half we tried to run the clock down, keep possession of the ball, be patient, and of course then the fourth goal killed the game.

"I'm very pleased, because I think you noticed yourself, there was a bit of tiredness in the second half on a hot day. It was a great day for us, we have a big chance [of winning the title].

Manchester United will now watch on as Chelsea travel to the North East to take on Newcastle on Bank Holiday Monday, knowing that if the Blues slip up they will take the title.