England round-up: United close in

Ruud van Nistelrooij scored a hat-trick as Manchester United FC moved to within a point of Premiership leaders Arsenal FC with an emphatic 4-1 win away to Leicester City FC.

Tight at the top
Chelsea FC also won to remain in second place, ahead of United on goals scored. Both sides have 16 points, although Chelsea have played a game less than the champions. Arsenal, meanwhile, edged past Newcastle United FC 3-2 at Highbury on Friday night.

Scholes inspirational
At the Walkers Stadium, United were lifted by the return of Paul Scholes after injury, and the English international midfield player was quickly back into his stride, creating the first goal for captain Roy Keane in the 15th minute with a clever chip. It was 0-2 a minute later, as Scholes's shot rebounded to the feet of Van Nistelrooij, who prodded in from close range.

Dutch master
The Dutch striker, who missed a last-minute penalty in last Sunday's goalless draw with Arsenal, made it three on the stroke of half-time, rounding off a fine team move before completing his hat-trick seven minutes into the second period. Frank Sinclair headed a consolation goal for the home side from Muzzy Izzet's corner 17 minutes from time.

Narrow win
It was a much closer affair at Stamford Bridge, with visitors Aston Villa FC causing Chelsea a number of problems before the only goal of the game arrived two minutes before half-time, as Frank Lampard's shot was parried and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was on hand to secure all three points for the home side.

Christie celebrations
One goal was also enough at Saint Mary's, where Malcolm Christie's 13th-minute effort earned visitors Middlesbrough FC all three points and inflicted a first league defeat of the season on Southampton FC, who lost Kevin Phillips to a late red card.

Birmingham boost
Birmingham City FC, meanwhile, moved up into fourth place with a 2-0 win at home to Portsmouth FC, with Stephen Clemence bundling Stan Lazaridis's cross into the net midway through the first half before Lazaridis himself made the game safe five minutes after half-time.

First win
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC seemed to be on course for a first-ever Premiership win away at Bolton Wanderers FC, with Alex Rae's spectacular 25-metre volley on the half-hour giving the away side the lead, only for Kevin Davies to equalise five minutes from time.

Busy Sunday
Sunday promises to be another busy day of Premiership matches, as Manchester City FC at home to Tottenham Hotspur FC, while Liverpool FC travel to Charlton Athletic FC. Blackburn Rovers FC will be looking to recover from their midweek European setback at home to Fulham FC, and Everton FC entertain Leeds United AFC.