Solskjaer double sends Man Utd top

LONDON, Oct 1 (Reuters) Manchester United went back to the top of the Premier League with an Old Trafford demolition job on Newcastle United today that should have brought them more than two Ole Gunnar Solskjaer goals.

The Norwegian converted range efforts either side of halftime as United won 2-0 to move to 16 points and above Chelsea on goal difference following the champions' 1-1 home draw with Aston Villa yesterday.

United, who lost to Arsenal and drew with Reading in their previous two league games after winning the first four, were in total control against a toothless Newcastle side and only the woodwork and good goalkeeping by Steve Harper prevented a rout.

In other today's games a late Benni McCarthy goal gave Blackburn Rovers a 2-1 home win over Wigan Athletic while promoted Reading continued their good run with a 1-0 win at West Ham United courtesy of a second-minute shot by Korean winger Seol Ki-hyeon. Tottenham Hotspur were playing Portsmouth later.

Reuters SY DB2152