Manchester United have taken a two-goal lead at the break of their Premier League fixture this afternoon thanks to goals from strike pair Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck.

Visiting Aston Villa created the first opening inside the first minute as Andreas Weimann was sent free left of centre only to place his shot at the palms of David de Gea.

United had the lead in the seventh minute as Rooney sent Shay Given the wrong way from 12 yards after Ashley Young was adjudged to have been brought down by Ciaran Clark.

The early goal seemed to give United extra impetus and they took control of the game with Antonio Valencia a regular threat down the right, with Rooney stinging the palms of Given from nine yards out.

Paul Scholes, returning to the Red Devils' lineup, almost scored a spectacular volley straight from a Young corner but his sizzling effort flew just wide.

A second goal for the hosts looked on the cards and they almost got it when Valencia fired in a low cross that Welbeck diverted towards goal. Given was however equal to the effort as he reacted quickly to tip over.

Welbeck did find a way past Given two minutes before the interval by getting on the end of Patrice Evra's low cross and prodding home.

A win for United would see them restore their five-point advantage over Manchester City atop the Premier League table.