Man United beats Villa 4-0 to restore 5-point lead

MANCHESTER, England (AP) - Wayne Rooney scored twice and Manchester United defeated Aston Villa 4-0 on Sunday to restore its five-point advantage over crosstown rival Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

Former Villa player Ashley Young drew a questionable seventh-minute penalty when defender Ciaran Clark made contact with him, and Rooney converted the penalty kick.

Young won a penalty in United's previous match at Old Trafford after also appearing to fall easily in the box.

Danny Welbeck hit United's second in the 43rd minute, before Rooney scored again in the 74th and substitute Nani added a fourth in stoppage time.

With four rounds left, the win left United in prime position to secure a 20th league title.