All seven goals were scored in the opening half as Manchester United edged out Reading to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

The home side took the lead in the eighth minute when Jonny Evans could only clear to Hal Robson-Kanu who lashed home from eight yards.

The Royals weren't ahead for long, however, as Anderson levelled five minutes later by exchanging passes with Ashley Young and beating Adam Federici at his near post.

United went ahead in the 16th minute when Wayne Rooney tucked home from the spot after Jay Tabb had needlessly brought down Evans.

A fourth goal was scored before the 20-minute mark when Adam le Fondre was allowed too much space in the area to head home a Nicky Shorey corner.

Another set piece from the left foot of Shorey undid the visitors in the 23rd minute when Sean Morrison beat Evans in the air to put Reading ahead once more.

United equalised again on the half-hour mark when Patrice Evra cut back for Rooney to smash home from eight yards and soon the league leaders were ahead for a second time.

Rooney flicked a ball through for Robin van Persie, who beat the offside trap and calmly slid home.

The visitors should have had a fifth before the interval but Van Persie's close-range effort wasn't awarded despite the ball visibly going over the line before Adrian Mariappa hacked clear.

Into the second half and the match simmered down as United looked to slow proceedings down and protect their lead.

Van Persie blazed over before missing a sitter in the 67th minute. The Dutch forward dispossessed a hesitant Federici but couldn't wrap his foot around the ball with an empty net before him.

He was removed for Danny Welbeck soon after but United couldn't find a fifth and Reading, despite building pressure from set pieces, failed to net an eighth goal to level the match.

Three points for Sir Alex Ferguson's side see them move three points clear of Manchester rivals City while Reading remain rooted in the bottom three, four points from safety.