United back on top as Leeds edge closer to abyss

Manchester United put the boardroom turmoil engulfing the club to one side as they swept back to the top of the English Premiership.

At the other end of the table, Leeds United edged another step closer to the abyss of relegation after slumping to a 3-0 home defeat by Middlesbrough.

Louis Saha marked his Old Trafford debut with a goal and an assist as United edged out Southampton 3-2 to move a point ahead of Arsenal, who play Manchester City at Highbury on Sunday.

Saha scored United's opener with a deflected free-kick and then set up Paul Scholes for their second.

Kevin Phillips struck twice to get Southampton back on level terms but Ruud van Nistelrooy ensured he was not completely upstaged by his new strike partner with a trademark poacher's strike to secure all three points for United.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, currently at the centre of a feud with the club's biggest shareholder, was treated to a conspicuous show of support from the fans with a standing ovation.

And his mood was further lifted by the sight of his 30-million-pound (55-million-dollar) strike force showing signs of forging an effective partnership.

"Louis has delivered today. He has made a goal, he's had the freekick which was a bit lucky with the deflection and Ruud has got his goal," Ferguson beamed.

"So if they are going to contribute like that for the rest of the season we will be very pleased."

Second-half goals from Bolo Zenden and Joseph Desire Job and a Michael Ricketts penalty condemned Leeds to their 14th defeat of the season, 24 hours after their players agreed to defer 25 percent of their wages to avoid immediate administration.

That gesture had generated fresh optimism about Leeds fighting their way out of the mire. But there was little in Saturday's performance to suggest the players currently on the books are capable of saving the club from the financially catastrophic implications of relegation from the Premiership.

"I've said the players have got to start playing with courage and confidence at home and it never happened," Leeds caretaker boss Eddie Gray admitted.

"We are not going to get away from the bottom of the table with performances like that."

The defeat leaves Leeds six points adrift of safety and the home fans' misery was compounded by goalkeeper Paul Robinson's sending off for the foul which led to Ricketts' penalty.

The 170th Merseyside derby ended with honours even, Liverpool and Everton trading furious counterpunches for 90 minutes before finally settling for a goalless draw.

Fulham took advantage of Liverpool's stutter by moving level with them on points after a comeback victory against Spurs at Loftus Road.

Robbie Keane put Spurs ahead at Fulham with an 18th minute penalty. But Steed Malbranque converted another spot-kick to get the Cottagers back on level terms just before the break and US international striker Brian McBride grabbed a 67th minute winner.

Newcastle were denied all three points at Birmingham by Stern John's last minute equaliser for the home side.

The Magpies had looked set for victory after Wales midfielder Gary Speed had fired them ahead in the 36th-minute strike enough to secure a 1-0 win at Birmingham.

Fourth-placed Charlton meanwhile began the post-Scott Parker era in the worst possible fashion, conceding a goal to Bolton's Henrik Pedersen inside the first minute.

Jonatan Johansson quickly equalised but Kevin Nolan secured all three points for the visitors 12 minutes from time.

Aston Villa's revival under David O'Leary gathered pace as Leicester were blitzed by five second-half goals.

England striker Darius Vassell and Peter Crouch grabbed two apiece with veteran striker Dion Dublin also on the scoresheet as Leicester were left languishing in the relegation zone.

"Our finishing was absolutely clinical today and if we can continue to do that we will win games," Villa boss David O'Leary said.

To add to the club's problems, goalkeeper Ian Walker could be in hot water after getting embroiled in a confrontation with a fan.

Portsmouth edged another point clear of the drop zone after a grim goalless draw at home to fellow strugglers Wolves.