United go five points clear Thursday, February 19, 2009
Manchester United extended their lead to five points on Wednesday as returned Wayne Rooney scored to help smash Fulham 3-0.
Rooney, in his first game since his injury in January, came off the bench to round off a one-sided victory after first-half goals from Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov.
While Fulham remain one of only two top-flight clubs without an away win this season, Sir Alex Ferguson's side now have 59 points from 25 matches.
Liverpool are second with 54 points, followed by Aston Villa on 51 and Chelsea on 49.
"I'm delighted to get some minutes on the pitch and hopefully work my way back into the team," said Rooney, who had missed seven games since he picked up a hamstring strain after scoring in United's 1-0 win over Wigan.
"We know the position we are in and it is nice to be top rather than chasing." he added.
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was to blame for the opener in the 12th minute as he saved Paul Scholes's superb 25-yard volley but let the ball spin into the net.
Dimitar Berbatov did not wait long to add a second at the half hour mark. He put a perfect end to a brilliant move of at least a dozen of passes, eventually tapping in John O'Shea's cross.
Rooney marked his comeback two minutes after he was brought in as he sidefooted home Park Ji-Sung's cross at the far post 18 minutes into the second half.
