Manchester United staged a spectacular late rally to edge out resilient Everton at Old Trafford.

David Moyes' improving side held out until four minutes from time - only for United to strike three times to keep in touch with the Premiership pace-setters.

Paul Scholes broke the deadlock for Sir Alex Ferguson's men with a low left-foot drive from eight yards.

And Everton were sunk once Ruud van Nistelrooy scored from the spot after David Weir had been sent off for hauling down substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

But Scholes' second, a cracking injury-time strike, was rough justice for an Everton side who had matched United for much of the match.

United were given a lift when Van Nistelrooy was passed fit to take his place in the starting line-up.

But the Holland striker was as frustrated as his team-mates as Everton acquitted themselves well in the first half.

David Beckham had United's best chance after 11 minutes when he escaped the attentions of Thomas Gravesen at the far post but miscued his finish.

Beckham then produced a moment of magic that almost broke the deadlock with 13 minutes left, but his clever chip grazed the bar.

At the other end, Everton substitute Wayne Rooney ended a brilliant run by forcing Fabien Barthez to save - but that was the last scare for United.

Scholes scrambled home the opener after 86 minutes before Van Nistelrooy added the second.

And England star Scholes inflicted fierce punishment on Everton with a stunning 25-yard drive with virtually the last kick of the game.

Man Utd: Barthez, Gary Neville, Blanc, O'Shea, Silvestre, Beckham, Veron (Solskjaer 63), Butt (Forlan 85), Giggs, van Nistelrooy (Phil Neville 90), Scholes.
Subs Not Used: Ricardo, Fortune.

Everton: Wright, Hibbert, Weir, Yobo, Unsworth, Carsley, Tie Li, Gravesen, Pembridge, Campbell, Radzinski (Rooney 74).
Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Naysmith, Weifeng Li, Ferguson.

Booked: Unsworth, Gravesen. Sent Off: Weir.

Attendance: 67,629

Referee: M Riley (W Yorkshire)