Manchester United returned to the top of the Premiership with another commanding display and yet another goal for record-breaking striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who scored in a 3-1 victory over Southampton at St Mary's. James Beattie shocked the defending champions when he headed the home side in front after three minutes, but Van Nistelrooy replied within six minutes to level, before a David Beckham free-kick on the stroke of half-time and an Ole Gunnar Solskjaer second half strike wrapped up the points for United.
However, it wasn't all plain sailing for United, who were stunned when the in-form Beattie gave his team an early lead with a powerful header from Jason Dodd's cross - his 12th goal of the season – before being stretchered off little more than 20 minutes later with his right leg ominously clamped.
Southampton's lively Ecuador striker Agustin Delgado, on for Beattie as a debut-making substitute, and Marian Pahars both hit the woodwork as the Saints steamed forward in search of another lead goal after Van Nistelrooy had equalised in the 9th minute. It was another typically clinical right foot finish for the big Dutchman, who was scoring for the seventh successive Premiership match, matching the achievements of Newcastle's Alan Shearer, Arsenal's Thierry Henry and former Chelsea marksman Mark Stein.
Beckham edged United in front just into stoppage time at the end of the first half with one of his free-kick specials, and Solskjaer wrapped up the win when his low drive went in off the inside of a post 18 minutes into the second period. Mikael Silvestre had earlier headed against the bar for the visitors, but no matter how many determined raids Saints carved out, they were always in dire danger of being caught on the break.
The win takes Alex Ferguson's side clear of Newcastle United on goal difference, a position they will keep irrespective of how Arsenal and Liverpool finish at Highbury this afternoon.
Filed by Shane Murray
