Aston Villa 1-4 Man Utd

Wayne Rooney struck twice and missed a penalty as Manchester United eased to victory against nine-man Aston Villa. Gabriel Agbonlahor headed Villa into an early lead, but Rooney’s two composed finishes put United in front.

Craig Gardner’s own goal gave United a third before half-time, and Nigel Reo-Coker was sent off on the hour.

Keeper Scott Carson followed for a foul on Carlos Tevez, and even though Stuart Taylor saved Rooney’s spot-kick, Ryan Giggs added a deflected fourth.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rested Cristiano Ronaldo and gave fellow countryman Nani a place in the starting line-up.

Villa opened brightly and were ahead in the 11th minute when Ashley Young retrieved Gardner’s dangerous centre and crossed for Agbonlahor to flick a header beyond Edwin van der Sar.

Aston Villa 2-0 Chelsea

A debut goal from Zat Knight and a late Gabriel Agbonlahor strike saw Aston Villa end Chelsea’s 18-match unbeaten streak in the league. Knight climbed above Didier Drogba to head in a Gareth Barry corner in the second minute of the second half.

Chelsea threw everything at Villa in the final half hour but came up against a determined Villa backline.

Salomon Kalou dragged a shot wide before Villa broke and Agbonlahor stabbed in Ashley Young’s driven cross.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Jose Mourinho at Villa Park, where Chelsea have not won since 1999.

Villa complete £3.5m Knight deal

Aston Villa have completed a £3.5m deal for Fulham defender Zat Knight, who has signed a four-year contract. Knight, 27, signed a new three-year deal with the Cottagers in the summer but Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez accepted an offer from Villa.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill’s interest in Knight came after his bid to sign West Brom’s Curtis Davies hit the buffers because of the £8m-plus valuation.

There is still interest in Davies and Villa are also keen on a right-back.