Ronaldo, Scholes net stunners before christmas eve

MANCHESTER United star Wayne Rooney was omitted from the side for the first time in his English Premier League career this morning, but the Red Devils still defeated Aston Villa 3-0.

United condemned Aston Villa to a seventh game without a win after stunning strikes from midfield players Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes.

The Red Devils produced a laboured first-half performance and seemed to be in danger of dropping precious points in the title race against Chelsea, but two moments of brilliance in the second half piled the pressure on the two-time defending champion ahead of its late kick-off game at Wigan.

Ronaldo, on the hour mark, mesmerised the Villa defence on the edge of the area and lashed an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly after his initial shot had been blocked by Gary Cahill.

Scholes then powered home an incredible volley, in off the crossbar, from 20 metres yards as United finally made its superiority count.

Ronaldo thought he had added a third goal after he was played in by Rooney - on as a 66th-minute substitute - but he was flagged offside. But the Portugal internation did turn in Gary Neville's cross at the death to round off a satisfactory afternoon for the visitors.

Rooney had never before been dropped when available for a premiership fixture, and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to keep him fresh for the Christmas period initially appeared to be questionable.

Ryan Giggs was given a more forward role to partner France striker Louis Saha, but United was crying out for more firepower and Villa nearly stunned the league leader in the 14th minute.

Gareth Barry's free-kick was flicked on by Chris Sutton but young midfield player Craig Gardner headed against the post.

United produced a determined response, and Villa midfield player Gavin McCann nearly deflected Giggs's cross into his own net before Patrice Evra tested Kiraly with a low drive.

Ronaldo then danced his way through the home defence before driving narrowly wide from a tight angle in the 38th minute.

Villa was tidy in its approach work, but it lacked a proven predator and chairman Randy Lerner must be acutely aware that manager Martin O'Neill will need strong financial backing in the January transfer window.