Man Utd 3 Blackburn 1

The visitors, who are chasing a Uefa Cup spot, started brightly at Old Trafford with former Red Devils striker Andy Cole fluffing a good early chance.

The recalled David Beckham justified his inclusion in the team on 20 minutes when he crossed to the far post for the prolific Ruud van Nistelrooy to head back across goal and beyond Brad Friedel.

Blackburn were deservedly level just four minutes later through another United old boy. Fabien Barthez flapped at David Dunn's free-kick and Henning Berg nodded in at the far post.

United were back in front just before the break as Phil Neville made the most of a rare Premiership start to tee up Paul Scholes for the in-form midfielder to slice home from the edge of the penalty area.

Barthez was substituted at half-time through injury and replaced by Ricardo with the Spaniard having an immediate impact on his Premiership bow. He hauled down Cole in the box but recovered his composure to save Dunn's tame spot-kick.

Ryan Giggs was in blistering form for United and his desire earned the hosts a third goal as he won the ball back in midfield before embarking on a mazy run. He laid the ball off for van Nistelrooy who fed Scholes to score his 100th goal for The Red Devils.

Rovers keeper Friedel produced a stunning save to deny van Nistelrooy late on as United sauntered to the points ahead of their crunch Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday evening.