Manchester United have extended their lead at the top of the English Premier League to a commanding 12 points after beating Everton 2-0 at Old Trafford.

Goals from Ryan Giggs and Robin van Persie sealed victory for United on Sunday with just 12 games to go in the campaign.

Aston Villa moved out of the relegation zone thanks to a 2-1 win over West Ham United.

In the week in which United commemorated the 55th anniversary of the Munich air disaster of 1958, when eight of their players died, the home side moved a step closer to a record 20th top-flight title.

Giggs put United ahead on 13 minutes after good work from Van Persie, ensuring he has now scored in all 20 seasons since the Premier League began.

And on the stroke of half-time, Van Persie broke the off-side trap to round Tim Howard in the Everton goal and score United’s second.

Everton threatened from set pieces but apart from a couple of half-chances, never looked likely to get back into the match.

The result moved United on to 65 points with 12 games remaining, 12 more than champions Manchester City, who slipped up on Saturday with a 3-1 defeat at Southampton.

Everton remain sixth, but six points off a Champions League place.

At Villa Park, a penalty from Christian Benteke and a Charles N’Zogbia free kick were enough to lift Aston Villa out of the relegation zone, one point clear of Reading.

Ashley Westwood’s own goal with three minutes to go gave West Ham hope but they could not find an equaliser and remain 11th in the table.

“We deserve a lot of credit for what we have done today,” said Villa manager Paul Lambert, who has been criticised for his team’s recent poor form.

“I think it will be huge for us. We’ve taken a lot of knocks but football is a funny game and we are only three points behind Newcastle (in 16th) now.