United devour Wolverhampton 3-0, go level on points with EPL toppers Chelsea
United devour Wolverhampton 3-0, go level on points with EPL toppers Chelsea
Manchester United beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 at Old Trafford last night to draw level on points with Premier League leaders Chelsea.
|
|
Reds hot! Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic celebrates scoring against Wolverhampton during their EPL match at Old Trafford in Manchester yesterday. United won 3-0. pic/afp |
However, the Blues who remain top on goal difference will re-establish a points gap between themselves and reigning champions United if they avoid defeat at home to bottom of the table Portsmouth tonight.
England striker Wayne Rooney put United, beaten at home by Aston Villa last weekend, ahead from the penalty spot in the 30th minute after Ronald Zumar handled Darron Gibson's corner and central defender Nemanja Vidic doubled the lead just before half-time when he headed in a corner that Wolves goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann could only palm into the net.
Antonio Valencia's 66th minute half-volley made it 3-0 as Wolves dropped into the relegation zone.
Victory gave Alex Ferguson a comfortable win in his 900th league match as United manager. But Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, in what seemed an attempt to keep his best players fit for the more 'winnable' game against Burnley on Sunday, made 10 changes to the team that beat Tottenham last weekend, with Hahnemann the only survivor.
McCarthy could find himself facing disciplinary action for breaking the League rule which requires clubs to field their strongest available sides.
Ferguson told Sky Sports. "Wolves had their second string out which wasn't surprising given they've got Burnley on Sunday. We took a long time to get going but once we got (the first) goal we were comfortable."
An unrepentant McCarthy said: "I made changes. I don't think we can do two nine out of 10 performances back-to-back again."
