United failed to find top gear but still did enough to coast past a hard-working Forest side and go third.

BBC Rado 5 Live's Alan Green reports on Man Utd v Nottm Forest

Ronny Johnsen scored twice and Ryan Giggs added the third to keep the Old Trafford title challenge on course.

But defeat for bottom club Forest meant 16 league games without a win, equalling a Premiership record.

Alex Ferguson: "History shows its usually between two clubs" (BBC Radio 5 Live)

Alex Ferguson again rang the changes, with Teddy Sheringham partnering Paul Scholes up front.

But they struggled to find their rhythm again with too many wayward passes.

David Beckham takes a ride on United's two-goal hero

The first half was scrappy but central defender Johnsen showed the forwards how to do it with his second and third goals of the season.

United were struggling to create many chances from open play - Scholes shooting over with a rare effort on goal.

But with another full house becoming frustrated, they broke the deadlock from a set piece on 28 minutes.

Ronny Johnsen gives United the lead (BBC Radio 5 Live)

Dave Beasant saved a Ryan Giggs header but from the resulting Beckham corner Johnsen headed in at the back post for his second goal of the season.

Nicky Butt holds off Steve Stone

The Norwegian struck again on 59 minutes, volleying in with his right foot after Henning Berg flicked on.

Three minutes later Giggs danced onto Scholes' delightful pass and chipped over Beasant for the third.

Ryan Giggs completes the rout (BBC Radio 5 Live)

Forest, without the suspended Pierre van Hooijdonk, created almost nothing at the other end. Stone came closest in the first half, but even then referee Jeff Winter had blown for a foul.

Neil Shipperley missed the target near the end after a mistake by Peter Schmeichel.

Manchester United: Schmeichel, P Neville, Berg, Johnsen, Irwin, Beckham, Butt, Keane, Giggs, Sheringham, Scholes. Subs: Blomqvist, Brown, Solskjaer, Greening, Van Der Gouw.

Nottingham Forest: Beasant, Louis-Jean, Chettle, Armstrong, Rogers, Quashie, Stone, Johnson, Shipperley, Bart-Williams, Freedman. Subs: Doig, Bonalair, Darcheville, Hodges, Crossley.