The Spanish striker netted with a header for the UEFA Cup finalists after seven minutes, before doubling the advantage with an impressive volley 11 minutes later.

Mark de Vries pulled a goal back for United in the 76th minute, but substitute Jean-Claude Darcheville helped himself to a goal late on to seal the win which keeps the destination of the title in Rangers' hands.

Celtic, who face Hibernian on Sunday, have already played one more match than Rangers.

Motherwell moved to the brink of a place in next season's UEFA Cup after a 2-1 win over Aberdeen.

Striker Chris Porter hit his 17th goal of the season as Motherwell, hoping to qualify for Europe for the first time in 13 years, left it late before snatching victory.

Substitute Darren Smith scrambled Mark McGhee's side into a deserved lead just after the hour mark at Fir Park.

Aberdeen soon levelled out of the blue through Sone Aluko but Porter finished off a slick move nine minutes from time to tighten Motherwell's stranglehold on third place.

They will make certain of their UEFA Cup place if Hibernian are beaten by Celtic on Sunday.

In the bottom half of the table, Hearts slipped to a second defeat in a row, losing 2-0 at home to Kilmarnock.

Former Hearts player Grant Murray headed David Fernandez's corner beyond Steve Banks before substitute Paul di Giacomo added a second goal in the 83rd minute with a volley from close range.

Laryea Kingston and Fernando Screpis went close for the hosts in the first half as Hearts signed off in their final home game of the campaign with a defeat.

Carl Finnigan's emphatic second-half finish helped Falkirk to a comfortable home win over Inverness as they leapfrogged Hearts into seventh place.

Michael Higdon's ninth goal of the season had given Falkirk the lead in the first half.

Inverness grabbed a late consolation through Barry Wilson's penalty.

Gretna bounced back from their six-goal mauling at Inverness by holding their own in a stalemate with St Mirren at Love Street.

Brendan McGill hit the home side's crossbar in the third minute of the contest and that strike was as close as either side went with legitimate attempts.

Franco Miranda and Craig Dargo had decent chances for the hosts who had the ball in the net late on when Stewart Kean's effort was ruled out for offside.