Wayne Rooney fired Manchester United five points clear at the top of the English Premier League with a double that inspired a 4-0 rout of Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men were able to reestablish a significant lead over title rivals Manchester City with four games left to play.
After their shock midweek defeat at Wigan, and City's 6-1 demolition of Norwich at the weekend, it was the perfect response from United.
The top two face off at The Etihad Stadium on April 30.
