EPL: Rooney keeps United ahead of the pack

Wayne Rooney made sure Manchester United ended the weekend as they began it on Sunday with two goals in a 3-0 home win over Fulham to nose the champions back in front in the Premier League title race.

Rooney and his United team mates suffered a frustrating first half but the prolific striker needed less than a minute of the second to puncture Fulham's rearguard, side-footing his 31st goal of the season from Nani's pass.

His second with six minutes remaining calmed the jitters against a dogged Fulham side for whom striker Bobby Zamora squandered two gilt-edged chances.

Dimitar Berbatov added a third in the final minute as United, bidding for a fourth consecutive title, moved to 66 points with eight games remaining.

Chelsea, who have played a game less, have 64 points, as do Arsenal after both London clubs won on Saturday.