David Beckham grabbed the only goal as Manchester United beat Aston Villa 1-0 on Saturday to cut Arsenal's lead at the top of the premier league to two points.

The England captain tucked home a cross by Ryan Giggs after 12 minutes to settle an even contest at Villa Park.

The victory lifted United's points tally to 61 from 30 games, although champions Arsenal, on 63 points, will re-establish their five-point lead if they beat Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in a match due to kick off at 1500 GMT.

In other 1500 GMT kick-offs, Mick McCarthy was set to make his debut as manager of bottom club Sunderland in a must-win clash with Bolton Wanderers at the Stadium of Light.

Third-placed Newcastle United were away to Charlton Athletic and fourth-placed Everton at home to struggling West Ham United.

United welcomed back most of their first team after they sat out Wednesday's Champions League draw with Basel and wasted little time taking the lead in the spring sunshine at Villa Park.

Only 12 minutes were on the clock when Giggs crossed from the left and Beckham muscled aside Alan Wright to divert the ball into the Villa net from close range.

Villa's England striker Darius Vassell was denied in a one-on-one by United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez and Moroccan Mustapha Hadji went close three times as Villa strove for an equaliser before the break.

Villa striker Dion Dublin headed too near to Barthez at the start of the second half but United went the closer to scoring again.

Giggs curled a free kick against the corner of the goal frame after 56 minutes and defender John O'Shea's header was cleared off the line 19 minutes from time before the game petered out.

The result left Graham Taylor's side in 14th place on 35 points, nine points above the relegation zone.