Rooney scores twice as Manchester United win

Liverpool defeated Cardiff 6-3.

Two goals in the first half from Wayne Rooney on Saturday secured three points for Manchester United against West Ham United at Upton Park.

United, who seem to have turned round their season, broke the deadlock with just 8 minutes on the clock when Rooney struck a sensational half-volley from inside his own half to beat Adrian and give his side the lead in style.

Juan Mata came close to doubling the Red Devils' advantage on the half-hour mark, but his effort was parried by the Hammer's goalkeeper.

That nonetheless, United still doubled their lead as Rooney again found the back of the net, this time in seemingly fortunate circumstances. Ashley Young charged down the right wing and put a cross into the box which was initially cut out by Mark Noble. But the clearance only went as far as Rooney who made no mistake in making it 2-0.

Chances were limited for both sides in the second half but United had already done the business as they went away with all points on offer and continue their push for at least a top-four finish this season.

In the other earlier games, Joseph Yobo's Norwich City eased their relegation worries with a convincing 2-0 win over Sunderland.

It was also sweet victory for Shola Ameobi's Newcastle United as the Magpies beat Crystal Palace by a lone goal.

The game between Hull City and West Brom pitched two Nigerian strikers against each other and it was Hull's Sone Aluko that had the last laugh over West Brom's Victor Anichebe that as the game ended 2-0.

Also Everton squeezed out a 3-2 win against Swansea City.

The games involving the title contenders were goals galore. Chelsea led the way with the annihilation of Arsenal 6-0, Manchester City also ran riot against Fulham, defeating the Cottagers 5-0. Liverpool and Cardiff City played out a 9-goal thriller, which the Reds won 3-6.

The Uruguayan striker, Luis Suarez, was again at his best netting a hat trick as Liverpool continued to push themselves forward as genuine EPL title contenders.

Rooney scores twice as Manchester United win.