Man Utd move three points clear

Manchester United moved top of the table with a 2-0 comforatble win over Portsmouth at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney’s early strike put the champions in the lead as United sought to reclaim top spot after Liverpool's 4-4 draw with Arsenal on Tuesday night.

And substitute Michael Carrick settled any lingering nerves by firing home a wonderful second goal on 82^nd minute to see off Pompey.

After sitting out United’s penalty shootout defeat by Everton in the FA cup semifinal on Sunday, Rooney and Ronaldo returned for United as they set about seizing control of the league and they were given the perfect start.

United were in front via their first dangerous attack on nine minutes as Anderson's brilliant pass played Ryan Giggs in behind the defence and he rolled the ball across the six-yard box to provide Rooney with a simple finish. Giggs and John O’Shea both missed chances to stretch the lead before halftime against an unadventurous Portsmouth side who created little threat.

There were still few jitters around Old Trafford, however, until Carrick made the points safe, supplying a polished finish to a ball from midfielder Paul Scholes who was making his 600^th appearance for the club.

United’s pleasure was enhanced by news of Chelsea’s stalemate with Everton at Stamford bridge.