MATT Derbyshire's phenomenal success story continued at Old Trafford where he fired Blackburn Rovers into a first half lead.

Fresh from his goalscoring exploits at Wembley last week, where he scored on his Edebut for the England Under 21s, Rovers' 20-year-old striker found the target again, showing great awareness to sweep home his seventh goal of the season after a fumble by Edwin Van Der Sar.

A cross from Morten Gamst Pedersen in the 29th minute had caused panic in the United area.

Michael Carrick attempted to cut out the danger but only succeeded in diverting the ball back towards his own goal, and as it bounced up off Van Der Sar, there was Derbyshire to slot away the rebound from close range.

United had various chances to equalise in an action-packed half but a combination of poor finishing and some inspired keeper from the excellent Brad Friedel kept them at bay.

The big American twice denied Wayne Rooney and United dangerman Cristiano Ronaldo also drilled another effort wide as the Reds finished the half on top.

Man United: Van Der Sar, Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand, Heinze, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Park, Rooney, Giggs. Subs: O'Shea (for Vidic, 28)Smith, Solskjaer, Richardson, Kuszczak Rovers: Friedel, Emerton, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Dunn, Tugay, Mokoena, Pedersen, McCarthy, Derbyshire. Subs: Nonda, Roberts, Peter, Henchoz, Enckelman