Three goals in the opening 45 minutes saw Manchester United overcome the challenge of Chelsea at Old Trafford this afternoon.

England full-back Chris Smalling opened the scoring after eight minutes, heading in Ashley Young's free-kick.

Brazilian midfielder Ramires spurned the chance to draw Chelsea level in the 26th minute, drilling his shot straight at David de Gea from close range.

Nani doubled the advantage in the 37th minute with a shot from distance, before Wayne Rooney capitalised on a mistake from John Terry to put United three goals ahead at the break.

Fernando Torres pulled one back for Chelsea shortly after the restart, before Rooney had a chance to make the points safe for United from the penalty spot, but he slipped on his run up and the ball drifted wide.

Spaniard Torres missed a clear opportunity eight minutes from time to reduce the arrears further and claim his second goal of the match. After rounding De Gea, the £50m signing from Liverpool fired wide of an open net from five yards out.

Next Saturday United travel to Stoke City, while Chelsea will play host to Swansea City at Stamford Bridge.