David Beckham sported a new haircut but it was the old familiar magic from his trusted right foot which killed off battling Leicester City at Filbert Street.

Beckham, who appeared in a shaven-headed style similar to United skipper Roy Keane, curled home a typical 25-yard free-kick against the run of play in the 33rd minute.

Then Dwight Yorke's fifth goal in the last three games finished the contest to put United seven points clear of Leeds - they entertain Wimbledon on Sunday - at the top of the Premiership.

United paid Leicester the compliment of fielding the side which had overpowered Fiorentina in Wednesday's Champions League game at Old Trafford.

They seldom reached the same heights as against the Italians although perhaps that is asking too much given their demanding domestic and European schedule.

But none of the travelling United fans will worry about that as the ability of Ferguson's side to conjure up a win when not firing on all cylinders was again evident.

Leicester huffed and puffed for long periods and showed the commitment and passion that has become a trademark with Martin O'Neill's sides down the years.

But for all their endeavour they seldom looked like posing a threat as they attempt to adjust to life without Emile Heskey.

For much of the first half Ferguson's troops seemed to be on cruise control as Leicester enjoyed the bulk of the possession without ever threatening to hurt United.

Former United youth player Robbie Savage flicked on an early corner by Muzzy Izzet but no-one was able to apply the finishing touch.

A foul by Henning Berg on Darren Eadie 25 yards out earned the Foxes a free-kick in a dangerous position but Stan Collymore sent his kick high and wide.

Keane then got in an important clearing header as Leicester defender Gerry Taggart was poised to get on the end of a Stefan Oakes free-kick.

But there was precious little to enthuse about before Beckham's moment of magic broke the deadlock and United woke from their slumbers.

United players appeared angry that referee Rob Harris did not yellow card Frank Sinclair after he had chopped down Ryan Giggs in full flight.

But Beckham took full retribution as his 25-yard free-kick curled past the defensive wall and the stranded Tim Flowers into the corner of the net.

Leicester tried to retaliate and skipper Matt Elliott got a back header onto a free-kick from Oakes although the ball eventually flew well wide.

Collymore briefly flickered into life at the start of the second period when he sent a powerful 25-yard effort just over the top despite the close attentions of Stam and Paul Scholes.

But it was United who provided the few incisive moments when they could be persuaded to up their game.

In the 53rd minute, Flowers was forced to beat out a powerful right-footed drive from Irwin after he cut inside Elliott.

Bosnich in United's goal was a virtual spectator for long periods in the second period but he put his team under unnecessary pressure when he failed to collect a corner from Guppy. The ball broke to Izzet on the edge of the area but his shot was blocked by Keane.

With 20 minutes left O'Neill sent on veteran striker Tony Cottee in a bid to salvage something from the game.

But it was United who struck again with just six minutes left with Giggs the creator.

He sent over a cross from the left which was behind Elliott - and Yorke did the rest from close although Flowers got a hand to his shot.

Teams

Leicester: Flowers, Sinclair, Taggart, Elliott, Guppy, Savage, Izzet, Lennon, Oakes (Cottee 71), Collymore, Eadie (Marshall 81).

Subs Not Used: Gilchrist, Arphexad, Impey.

Man Utd: Bosnich, G. Neville, Irwin, Berg, Stam, Beckham, Scholes, Keane, Giggs (Butt 85), Cole (Sheringham 82), Yorke.

Subs Not Used: Van Der Gouw, P. Neville, Solskjaer.

Goals: Beckham 33, Yorke 83.

Att: 22,170

Ref: R Harris (Oxford).