United go top

United were in complete control once Zat Knight had put Michael Owen's fifth-minute header into his own net.

Antonio Valencia doubled the Red Devils' lead with his first goal for the club before half-time. But after a series of saves from Jussi Jaaskelainen, Matty Taylor pulled one back and United were clinging on at the end.

United could have been ahead before left-back Patrice Evra charged forward on the overlap and drove a cross to Owen. With Wayne Rooney absent due to a groin injury, Owen could have done with getting his own name on the scoresheet.

Instead, his off-target header fell to Knight, who made a mess of an intended clearance and trundled it into his own net.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side had to wait until the 33rd minute to double their lead.

Valencia collected Owen's square ball and raced forward before prodding a pass to Gary Neville, whose return was delivered with precision, inviting the sizzling finish which followed.

Jaaskelainen was becoming a one-man barricade, as United went for more goals.

But United failed to heed the warning offered by a disallowed Ivan Klasnic effort, and when Kevin Davies launched a cross towards Taylor, the midfielder steered his header into the left corner.

Klasnic and Knight both missed the target before Gary Cahill was presented with a glorious chance, but Edwin Van der Sar denied him, on his first senior appearance since breaking his fingers in pre-season.