Lee Martin scored his first goal for Stoke City, bagging the winner in a 2-1 triumph over Southampton. City skipper and ex-United youngster Danny Higginbotham said: “Lee’s been brilliant and he’s worked really hard so now he’s getting his rewards."
Danny Simpson and Jonny Evans were again in fine form for Sunderland, who notched a vital 2-0 away win at Barnsley to continue their promotion charge. Adam Eckersley was an unused substitute for the Tykes, while Ritchie Jones was not involved.
Royal Antwerp registered a vital 1-0 win over third-placed KV Mechelen. Both Ryan Shawcross and Darron Gibson were booked, while Fraizer Campbell and David Gray missed the match through suspension and injury respectively.
Ben Foster turned in an inspired display as Watford booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a 1-0 win at Plymouth.
Parma notched a fourth successive draw, salvaging a point at Atalanta through Ferdinand Coly's late leveller. Giuseppe Rossi was twice thwarted by home goalkeeper Alex Calderoni in another fine display.
Gerard Pique completed another impressive 90 minutes as Real Zaragoza were held to a 1-1 draw at Real Betis.
Danny Rose turned in a solid display as Oxford slipped to a surprise 2-0 home defeat against Forest Green Rovers.
Phil Bardsley will hope to retain his place in Aston Villa's starting line up when Arsenal visit Villa Park on Wednesday.