Manchester United maintained their six-point advantage at the top of the Premiership with ease as Aston Villa’s troubles worsened at Old Trafford.

United, following their last gasp FA Cup victory over the same opposition, disposed of Villa in easier fashion as first-half goals from Park Ji Sung, Michael Carrick and Cristiano Ronaldo gave them the three points.

Villa welcomed back Tomas Sorensen and Olof Mellberg as Paul Scholes, Nemanja Vidic and Edwin Van Der Sar returned for the Reds as well as Louis Saha, who was given a spot on the bench – Henrik Larsson and Wayne Rooney looked to continue their impressive partnership up front in front of a record Premiership crowd of 76,073.

Park Ji Sung’s hassling of the Villa players paid off on the 11th minute when, following Gary Neville’s dangerous cross and Gary Cahill’s hurried clearance, Park finished off with a right-footed drive past Sorensen. 1-0 United.

Larsson had earlier had a header saved superbly by the reinstated Tomas Sorensen who made a great diving save to deny the on loan Swede. United though doubled their lead and it was Carrick with his first goal in red. Park  teed up Carrick who flicked the ball up and volleyed a drive past Sorensen's despairing dive from 18 yards. 2-0 United.

With a difficult trip up to the Emirates Stadium next week, United wanted to win this game comfortably and see out the second half with ease. They were able to do that ten minutes from time when Park again hurried the Villa midfield, won the ball off Gavin McCann and found Carrick. From a wide right position, Carrick swung in a beautiful cross to the back post and Ronaldo headed in his 13th of the season -- maintaining his place as second top scorer in the league, one behind Chelsea’s Didier Drogba. 3-0 United.

At the break Villa introduced Steve Davis and J Lloyd Samuel but the changes didn’t alter the pattern of the game as United continued to push for another goal. However, following a cleared United corner, Villa got some luck. Milan Baros raced down the wing and smashed a ball across for Gabriel Agbonlahor to send it crashing into the net. 3-1 United.

Scholes and Rooney were United’s liveliest players and despite Rooney’s recent goal drought he was instrumental in every United attack. He nearly got a goal for himself, too, with an 18-yard shot that came crashing back off the bar. Wazza did everything but score.

Villa will be glad to see the back of the Reds following three defeats in a month in which they have conceded eight goals. United on the other hand, are looking good for the title and a continuation of this form will surely mean silverware come May. Man of the match for me was Scholes, who just shaded it from Carrick. He was instrumental for United and kept the ball moving around, with great distribution as well as going close with a header.

United now travel to face an in-form Arsenal side and  will be desperate to avoid defeat by Arsene Wenger's men at all costs. Chelsea face Liverpool 24 hours earlier and could drop points, so a United draw would be a good result although a win is not out of reach.

With Larsson looking good and Scholes, Ronaldo, Carrick and the back four in healthy form, United will go all out for the victory. And I wouldn’t bet against them extending or at the very least maintaining their six-point advantage at the summit.

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