Trevor Sinclair and Darius Vassell provided the Blues with maximum reward from a tepid first-half by Alex Ferguson’s men.

Then Robbie Fowler’s injury-time effort ensured there was no way back for United, who had pulled themselves back into the contest through Ruud van Nistelrooy despite having Cristiano Ronaldo sent off.

Ferguson introduced Louis Saha for Fletcher 20 minutes from time, a move which made United’s midfield look a little threadbare.

Still, no Red Devils side is completely devoid of fighting spirit and 15 minutes from time, Van Nistelrooy brought them back into the contest with a fine shot on the turn, his 18th goal of another prolific season.

Cole and Riera were replaced by Robbie Fowler and Kiki Musampa as Pearce called for fresh legs and the move worked perfectly as Fowler finished the visitors off in the last minute of stoppage time.