LONDON, April 21: Manchester United moved within a point of Chelsea in the battle for second place in the English Premier League after a 2-0 home win over Charlton Athletic on Tuesday.

While Chelsea were engaged in European action, a role Alex Ferguson's side expect to be fulfilling at this time of year, United got on with domestic issues and secured a solid win.

They remain third on 71 points from 34 games, one point behind Chelsea, who have also played 34. Arsenal look certain to win the league as they are clear on 81 points from 33 games. United took the lead after 28 minutes when French striker Louis Saha fired in from the edge of the box after a clever pass from David Bellion.

United, with Paul Scholes suspended and Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs on the bench ahead of next weekend's big game against Liverpool, continued to look the more positive side without creating too many clear chances. Charlton had a strong penalty claim waved away when Paul Konchesky went down in the box early in the second half and the game was settled in the 65th minute when Saha set up Gary Neville.

The England defender, who scored his first goal of the season to beat Leicester City last week, calmly took a touch before firing in his second of the campaign. The defeat leaves Charlton seventh on 48 points and dents their hopes of snatching fourth place, currently occupied by Liverpool on 50 points. -Reuters