Fitzgerald Cecilio

London, England

Ryan Giggs and Robin van Persie recorded first-half goals as Manchester United extended its Premier League lead with a 2-0 blanking of Everton Sunday at Old Trafford.

The win put United 12 points clear of closest rival and defending champion Manchester City and 16 points ahead of third-running Chelsea in the standings.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was planning to make several changes against Everton to prepare for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid and coach Jose Mourinho but cancelled it after City's shocking loss to Southampton.

"I thought I'd make about seven changes, but when I saw the result yesterday, I knew how important the game today would be for us and we can make more changes later on in the season," Ferguson said.

"We have to win our games anyway, it doesn't matter what happened with City yesterday. That's the way we should look at it, to concentrate on our own game and we will be okay," he added.

Giggs scored in the 13th minute with a right-footed shot off a post, keeping his record of scoring in each of his Premier League season intact.

At 39 years and 73 days, Giggs also became the second-oldest scorer in the competition after Teddy Sheringham, who scored for Portsmouth at 40 years and 264 days.

"Giggs's legacy lives on, he is a fantastic human being. He's up and down that pitch all day and has shown fantastic energy for the game, it is wonderful to see," Ferguson said of his midfielder.

After United scored, Everton responded with vigor, creating several scoring opportunities but failed to deliver the game-tying goal.

Before the break, van Persie unleashed a right-foot shot that went past Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard and defender Johnny Heitinga for his 19th goal of the season.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa moved out of the bottom three after beating West Ham, 2-1, behind

second-half goals from Christian Benteke and Charles N'Zogbia.

Benteke broke the deadlock from the penalty spot with his 15th goal of the campaign in the 74th minute and N'Zogbia made the points safe with a superb free-kick in the 78th minute.

Ashley Westwood's late own goal could not prevent Villa's first win in nine league games, ending run of four successive home league defeats.

The win took Villa to 17th place with 24 points, a whisker ahead of Reading.