DAVID Dunn was sent off as Blackburn Rovers were felled by Christiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo's first-half double sent Manchester United back to the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Ronaldo nodded home Ryan Giggs' corner, then converted Carlos Tevez's superb square pass a minute later to provide United with their ninth win in 10 games and see them leapfrog Arsenal, who tackle Reading tomorrow.

It was harsh luck on Blackburn, who battled tirelessly throughout but saw any chance of a comeback disappear when David Dunn was sent off for a second bookable offence eight minutes after the break.

In the first half, Chris Samba had struck a post after a long-range shot, and David Bentley tested Edwin Van der Sar with an effort from the edge of the area.

After the break, Pedersen flashed what was probably Blackburn's best chance of the entire match wide after Vidic's headed clearance had fallen nicely to him inside the United box.

Giggs was chopped down in full flight by Mokoena, who was duly booked, as was Nelsen, who sent the Welshman flying in equally cynical fashion shortly afterwards.

Ferdinand forced Friedel into two fine late saves, while Samba collected another Blackburn booking for a foul on Nani.