England round-up: United almost there

Manchester United FC took a huge step towards regaining the Premiership title with a 4-1 home win against Charlton Athletic FC.

United in charge
The victory moved Sir Alex Ferguson's side eight points ahead of champions Arsenal FC, who are at home to Leeds United AFC on Sunday, and have to win all three of their remaining games to have any chance of catching United, whose final game is away to Everton FC.

Early lead
David Beckham gave United the lead after eleven minutes, as Mikaël Silvestre's cross fell for the England captain to score with a deflected shot. However, Charlton quickly equalised, as goalkeeper Roy Carroll's clearance went straight to Claus Jensen, who shot into an empty net from 30 metres.

Van Nistelrooij hat-trick
Van Nistelrooij restored United lead a minute past the half-hour, shooting into the net on the turn after a corner had broken to him in a crowded penalty area, and the striker then collected his second eight minutes before half-time, lifting the ball over Dean Kiely. The match was effectively ended as a contest nine minutes into the second half, as Beckham's cross was turned in by Van Nistelrooij for his 43rd goal of the season.

Newcastle joy
Newcastle United FC secured a place in nest season's UEFA Champions League with a 1-0 win at home to Birmingham City FC. Hugo Viana scored the only goal of the game four minutes before half-time, converting a free-kick after Birmingham's Matthew Upson had been sent off for a foul on Craig Bellamy.

Hopes fade
Liverpool FC's hopes of gaining a place in next season's Champions League suffered a significant blow as Manchester City FC earned a 2-1 win at Anfield. Milan Baroš gave the home side the lead early in the second half, but two goals from former Liverpool striker Nicolas Anelka gave the away side all three points.

Vital victory
At the bottom a single goal from Paolo Di Canio gave West Ham United a crucial three points at home to Chelsea FC that moved them level on points with Bolton Wanderers FC, who earned a 0-0 draw at Southampton FC later on Saturday.

Safety guaranteed
Meanwhile, Fulham FC and Aston Villa FC both secured their top-flight status, as a Marcus Allbäck goal gave Villa a 1-0 win at home to already-relegated Sunderland AFC, while Fulham FC were 2-0 victors against Everton thanks to own goals from both Alan Stubbs and Richard Wright.

Resounding win
Blackburn Rovers FC were held to a 1-1 draw by West Bromwich Albion FC, with Jason Koumas earning the away side a point by cancelling out Damien Duff's goal. Middeslbrough FC were 5-1 winners at home to Tottenham Hotspur FC, with Malcolm Christie, Juninho, Szilard Nemeth and Massimo Maccarone, who scored twice, on target, while the visitors had only Jamie Redknapp's free-kick to show in response, and lost Chris Perry to a red card.