Tevez brings Devils within inches of trophy

Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Carlos Tevez on Sunday helped Manchester United close on the Premier League title with a 2-0 win over city rivals.

Out-of-favor but inspirational striker Carlos Tevez helps Manchester United close on the Premier League title with a 2-0 win over local rival Manchester City.

First half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo (18') and the Argentine (45') on Sunday saw the Red Devils take a giant stride toward the title and reclaim the top spot with three games in hand.

United has 83 points from 35 games. Liverpool stands second with 80 points from 36 games.

The decisive victory in the Manchester derby leaves the defending champions needing only four points to lift the trophy for the third year in a row, CNN reported. The Reds can well secure the title before Liverpool even plays another game.

Scoring his 14th Premiership goal of a season in which he has made just 17 starts, Tevez, whose future at United is in doubt, underlined his feelings with his manner of celebration.

Tevez cupped his hands to his ears as he ran down the touchline while the United faithful chanted "Fergie, Fergie sign him up."

The 25-year-old has established himself as a clear favorite with the Red Devils and their fans for his all-action style.

The Argentine won Sir Alex Ferguson's admiration for his performance in United's dramatic win over Tottenham Hotspur. Tevez came on for Nani in the second half to help the Reds swap a 0-2 first-half defeat with a 5-2 full-time victory.