Motherwell romped to a memorable victory over Dundee United as Mark McGhee's side returned to winning ways in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

David Clarkson scored twice, with Stephen Hughes, Chris Porter and Ross McCormack also on target for the third-placed home side who had lost their previous two matches.

David Robertson replied and Noel Hunt netted twice late on for United. A worrying second-half incident saw Motherwell midfielder Phil O'Donnell appear to collapse as he was about to be substituted, and he had to be carried off on a stretcher.

Both sides were looking to re-establish their UEFA Cup credentials after recent defeats, while both managers were looking to enhance their credentials for the vacant Scotland job.

Motherwell opened the game like a whirlwind and were rewarded for their enterprising start when they opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Jim Paterson sent Clarkson through on the left and he played a square ball to Hughes. The former Rangers man kept his cool and fired a low shot past Grzegorz Szamotulski.

The lead was doubled two minutes later as Clarkson worked hard to prevent the ball going out for a goal-kick before laying it back to Paterson. The full-back's cross was perfect for Porter who rose above the United defence to leave the goalkeeper helpless again.

Well piled on the pressure and made it three on 17 minutes, with Paterson's cross causing the danger. This time the goalkeeper saved Porter's header but the rebound fell kindly for McCormack to smash home from close range.

With less than 25 minutes on the clock United manager Craig Levein made two changes with Robertson and Garry Kenneth replacing Prince Buaben and Jordan Robertson. This allowed United to move to 4-4-2 and push Lee Wilkie further forward.

The move steadied the United ship and within 12 minutes they did manage to pull a goal back when substitute Robertson rose unmarked to head home Sean Dillon's cross from about eight yards out. Having looked comfortable for most of the half it was Motherwell who were looking to hang on for the half-time whistle.

Motherwell then made a blistering start to the second half and tied up the points with two goals in the opening 15 minutes. The first came after 55 minutes when Clarkson rose unmarked to head McCormack's free-kick into the bottom corner.

He bettered this finish only two minutes later after he dispossessed Kenneth inside the box before sending a delightful chip over Szamotulski.

United plugged away and they did manage to pull one goal back with 15 minutes left, a Willo Flood cross from the right was mis-hit by a Well defender and hit Noel Hunt on the chest before bouncing over the line.

As the game neared its end, home skipper O'Donnell collapsed as he was about to be replaced by Marc Fitzpatrick. He required medical attention for almost four minutes before leaving the field on a stretcher.

In stoppage time United added a third when Craig Conway's cross was met by the head of Hunt who managed to nip in front of goalkeeper Graeme Smith.

This did not take the edge off a fine win for Motherwell who moved six points ahead of United in third place.

Teams

Motherwell Graeme Smith, Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Paterson,McGarry (Lasley 77), Hughes, O'Donnell (Fitzpatrick 78),Clarkson (Darren Smith 85), Porter, McCormack.

Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Corrigan, Brian McLean, Murphy.

Booked: McCormack.

Goals: Hughes 11, Porter 14, McCormack 17, Clarkson 55, 56.

Dundee Utd Szamotulski, Dillon, Wilkie, Dods, Flood, Gomis,Kerr, Buaben (Kenneth 24), Robson (Conway 72),Jordan Robertson (David Robertson 24), Hunt.

Subs Not Used: McLean, Cameron, Duff, Milligan.

Booked: Dods.

Goals: David Robertson 36, Hunt 75, 90.

Att: 5,227

Ref: C Allan (Scotland).