*United cash in on Villa’s distraction*

An under-strength Manchester United line-up suggested that Aston Villa’s hopes of a meaningful warm-up for the FA Cup final were most likely to be provided by the May sunshine.

But despite the absence of several players, either injured or rested for Euro 2000, Teddy Sheringham’s goal ensured a familiar result for United and an unfamiliar one for Villa.

This was only Villa’s second Premiership defeat in 21 matches and their manager John Gregory was in downbeat mood. “I think some of the players were preoccupied with next Saturday,” he said.

“That’s been the case for the past six weeks since we won the semi-final against Bolton. It hasn’t been easy, as anyone who has been involved in an FA Cup final will tell you.”

For Wembley it is reasonable to assume that the goalkeeper David James and midfielder Ian Taylor will be the two alterations made to the Villa XI that started yesterday.

It was not the first time this season that Sir Alex Ferguson has sent an under-strength team to Villa Park. An even more inexperienced and youthful line-up lost there in the Worthington Cup in October.

This time the absences in the United line-up meant a half each for the youngsters Danny Higginbottom and Ronnie Wallwork while others played in unfamiliar positions. The central midfield duo comprised Phil Neville and Dwight Yorke, who was predictably booed by the home contingent who have not forgiven him for defecting to Old Trafford last season.

Despite the low-key performance Villa had their chances. Benito Carbone swept Paul Merson’s low, left-wing cross just wide of the post in the first half and Dion Dublin had a header cleared off the line by Phil Neville in the second. But by then Sheringham, taking advantage when Jordi Cruyff’s right-wing cross bounced off Ugo Ehiogu, had converted his sixth goal of the season.

Dublin almost rescued the game in the closing seconds with a rasping shot that Raimond van der Gouw tipped over and then with a header that hit the bar.

Had that gone in it would have prevented United establishing a Premiership record of 11 successive victories. But it would have been a minor omission from the catalogue of records set by Ferguson’s team.

Their points tally is a record for the Premiership, their goals total of 97 the best in the top flight for almost 40 years and the margin of points between them and second-placed Arsenal also sets a new standard.

In terms of trophies, though, compared to last this season has been one of under-achievement, something Ferguson already seems determined to put right. “I think we are quite capable of doing just as well next season,” he said.

“We’ve proved we can retain the championship this season and are convinced we can do so again. It will be interesting to see who Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Leeds buy in the summer to challenge us.”