United narrow gap with Chelsea

FT Aston Villa 0 Manchester United 2

Manchester United reduced Chelsea’s Premiership lead to six points as a Wayne Rooney-inspired performance earned them their sixth win in the last seven league games.

The Red Devils continue to bury the memory of their Champions League exit and are sending out a clear message they could be the main threat to Jose Mourinho’s hopes of retaining the title in the second half of the season.

While Liverpool and Arsenal also have Europe to occupy their minds, Alex Ferguson’s side have a clear run on the domestic front and on this evidence could take some stopping in the forthcoming months – especially with Rooney in such fine form.

United were in control with Sorensen going down to his right to keep out another fine effort from Rooney, a spectacular over-head kick from near the penalty spot.

A reverse pass from Davis played in McCann but his left-footed effort lacked power and Van der Sar made the most comfortable of saves.

But United finished on the offensive and substitute Cristiano Ronaldo had a header saved by Sorensen from Fletcher’s right-wing cross while Ridgewell blocked van Nistelrooy’s close range shot.