Edwin van der Sar says Manchester United made a big stride forward in the title race after victory over Bolton Wanderers.

With Chelsea and Liverpool both losing, it represented a decent weekend in what shapes up to be a very intriguing campaign as United go for an unprecedented four titles in a row.

"It is important to get three points when the other teams drop them. It makes a difference," said Van der Sar.

"It is going to be tough for everyone this season. We didn't play well against Sunderland a couple of weeks ago but at least we managed to get a draw.

"All we can do is keep going. We are top now and we have to try to make the gap as big as possible."