Manchester United regained top spot in the Premiership table despite a late goal from Duncan Ferguson giving Alex Ferguson's men a scare before they ran out 3-2 winners at Old Trafford.

Ferguson's diving header in the 90th minute was followed by another dangerous-looking effort moments later. However, United - who had been dominant throughout - held on for the deserved win.

United now sit top of the Premiership table on 43 points, with Arsenal second on 42 after their 3-0 stroll over bottom of the table Wolves earlier in the day.

Chelsea, who were in second spot, are now third after their 4-2 humiliation away to Charlton, which leaves them four points adrift of United.

United were without injured skipper Roy Keane and started with Ruud van Nistelrooy, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs on the bench with Sunday's trip to Middlesbrough in mind.

United were in control for most of the match and went ahead through Butt in the ninth minute.

But the Merseysiders were level when Gary Neville put through his own goal four minutes later.

After a foul by Butt on Gary Naysmith, Thomas Gravesen's free kick from the right somehow found the foot of Neville deep in his own box, leaving his American keeper Tim Howard clutching at thin air.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson's side grabbed an all-important lead only a minute before the end of the first half through Brazilian Kleberson.

Kleberson rose to meet a Neville cross and scored with a dipping header from six yards out.

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