United restore lead with resounding Villa victory

Manchester United FC remain on course for a record-breaking 20th league title after easing past Aston Villa FC 4-0, while Chelsea FC recorded a thumping 5-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur FC in the FA Cup semi-final. 

It took United just seven minutes to open the scoring, Wayne Rooney converting from the spot after Ashley Young had been tripped in the area. Shay Given did his best to thwart Sir Alex Ferguson's side with a string of fine saves, but the visitors showed little ambition going forward and faced an arduous task when United doubled their advantage just before half-time.

Patrice Evra burst forward from his full-back position and squared for Danny Welbeck to stab the ball past the stranded Republic of Ireland goalkeeper. The result was put beyond doubt after the break when Antonio Valencia teed up Rooney, whose prodded effort deflected past Given, before Nani made it four from close range.

Meanwhile, Chelsea booked their place in the FA Cup final, where they will face Liverpool FC. Didier Drogba set the Blues on their way with an unstoppable left-footed finish, before Juan Mata made it two. And although Gareth Bale halved the deficit, Ramires' deft chip and Frank Lampard's sweetly struck free-kick sealed Spurs' fate, before Florent Malouda completed the rout.