Danny Welbeck bagged a quick-fire brace to help United to a 2-0 half-time lead, before Tom Cleverley sealed the points as David Moyes's men provided the perfect riposte to two successive Premier League defeats and collect their first win since beating Arsenal on November 10.

Danny Welbeck of Manchester United is by congratulated by Rafael da Silva and team mates as he scores their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park on December 15, 2013 © Getty Images

Villa, who had not registered a home victory against the reigning champions for 18 years, found themselves with a sizeable task on their hands if they were to eradicate the status quo after Welbeck netted twice in the opening 18 minutes.

The England international has on hand to tap into an empty net on 15 minutes following Adnan Januzaj's header cannoning off the post, before completing his double shortly later by prodding Antonio Valencia's low cross into the roof of the net from close range.

Danny Welbeck of Manchester United celebrates with team mates Luis Antonio Valencia and Adnan Januzaj as he scores their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park on December 15, 2013 © Getty Images

The visitors could have ended the game as a contest shortly before the interval when Jonny Evans rose highest to meet a Wayne Rooney corner, only to see his header well saved by Villans goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Cleverley added a third just seven minutes into the second half. The 24-year-old capitalised on a loose pass deep inside Villa's half, before exchanging a one-two with Rooney and slotting beyond Guzan at his near post.

Tom Cleverley of Manchester United celebrates as he scores their thrid goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park on December 15, 2013 © Getty Images

Marc Albrighton and Karim El Ahmady both saw efforts to reduce the deficit denied by goalkeeper David de Gea midway through the half, but it would prove as close as Paul Lambert's team would come as United held out for a much-needed win.