Just as he had in the 2-2 FA Cup draw at Upton Park in January, van Persie found the net in front of the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand to rescue United from being penalised for a sluggish display.West Ham, meanwhile, climb one place to 11th -- one point short of the 40-point mark -- and their top-flight status seems all but secure.West Ham had looked set to earn a hard-fought win through a vicious strike from Mohamed Diame, who restored the hosts' lead early in the second half after Antonio Valencia cancelled out Ricardo Vaz Te's opener.The West Ham number eight was the first player to threaten at either end, showing great footwork to shield the ball from a posse of defenders before dispatching a low shot that grazed the right-hand post.With second-place Manchester City having beaten Wigan Athletic, United now require six points from their final five games to secure a 20th English league title.It was the first piece of quality in attack the visitors showed, but it was devastating with Van Persie slipping a pass inside to Shinji Kagawa, whose shimmy took him past a defender and allowed him to centre for Valencia to tap home.Their lead is now 13 points, but while a late collapse appears unthinkable, manager Alex Ferguson will be concerned by the apathy that has crept into his team's play.
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