Rooney returns with a goal as United go five points clear

Wayne Rooney scored on his return from injury as champions Manchester United crushed Fulham 3-0 at Old Trafford last night to surge five points clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League. The England striker, back in action after a month out...

Wayne Rooney scored on his return from injury as champions Manchester United crushed Fulham 3-0 at Old Trafford last night to surge five points clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

The England striker, back in action after a month out with a hamstring injury, came on as a 61st minute substitute and scored from close range with his first touch of the ball barely two minutes later to send Man. United 3-0 up.

Paul Scholes had volleyed United into the lead off a Michael Carrick corner in the 12th minute.

Dimitar Berbatov doubled the tally 17 minutes later with a tap-in.

United now have 59 points to Liverpool's 54 and third placed Aston Villa's 51 after 25 matches.

Chelsea, their title chances dismissed by United manager Alex Ferguson in the pre-match programme, are fourth on 49.

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