Manchester United benefited from two own goals and another Wayne Rooney strike to crush Portsmouth 5-0 and return to the top of the Premier League.

England forward Rooney scored just before halftime followed by two own goals and efforts by Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov to take United to 56 points, one ahead of Chelsea who entertain third-placed Arsenal tomorrow.

Earlier today, Liverpool overcame the early sending-off of defender Sotiros Kyrgiakos to beat Everton 1-0 in a fierce Merseyside derby at Anfield to go into the top four for the first time since October with 44 points.

Tottenham Hotspur can retake fourth spot later on Saturday when they host Aston Villa. Manchester City suffered an embarrassing slip-up in their pursuit of fourth place with a 2-1 loss at lowly Hull City.

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