Rooney double lifts Man Utd to top

Manchester United surged back to the top of the Premier League as in-form Wayne Rooney bagged a brace in a 2-0 victory over 10-man West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

United striker Rooney took his tally to nine goals in his last six appearances thanks to a clinical first-half strike and a second-half penalty after Albion had defender Jonas Olsson sent off for two bookings at Old Trafford.

That was enough to lift Sir Alex Ferguson's side one point clear of bitter rivals Manchester City, with the previous leaders crashing to a surprise 1-0 defeat at Swansea.

The champions' fourth successive league win was the perfect response to their disappointing Europa League defeat at home to Athletic Bilbao in midweek and it could prove a defining moment in the title race.

Roy Hodgson's Albion, looking to add to their run of three consecutive victories, made a bright start, playing with the confidence of a side in form.

Just five minutes had elapsed when Liam Ridgewell's left-wing cross was missed at the near post by Jonny Evans and Keith Andrews, sliding at full stretch, just placed the ball the wrong side of the post.

James Morrison shot over from the edge of the United area before David de Gea was forced into the first serious save after 16 minutes, diving smartly to his right to turn a 20-yard shot from Andrews around his post.

United, fielding an attacking formation which featured three recognised centre-forwards in Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck, were slow to find their rhythm.

But former United goalkeeper Ben Foster was required to parry a shot from Ashley Young, while Rooney fired over from distance and Welbeck headed well over from a Young corner.

Young and Welbeck linked well to try and liven up United's attacking play just before the half-hour mark but Foster blocked Young's progress easily enough.

England winger Young appeared United's best chance of breaking down well-organised opponents and his far-post cross found Rooney for an acrobatic volley which Foster again had well covered.

But United took the lead in the 35th minute when Paul Scholes broke up play as West Brom attempted to clear.

Scholes found Hernandez on the right wing, allowing the Mexican to cut inside his marker and fire goalwards for Rooney to instinctively steer the ball past Foster from six yards.

The early stages of the second half brought brief hope for Albion when Peter Odemwingie had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down following a trip by Patrice Evra.

But United were soon going for the jugular once more, seeking the second goal that would secure the win.

After 53 minutes, Hernandez hit the post with a tremendous strike after being set up by Rooney.

Then Rooney's audacious overhead kick, from a Patrice Evra cross, was well covered by Foster.

Foster misjudged Scholes' 58th minute through-ball, allowing Welbeck to round him and the Albion goalkeeper looked relieved when the forward rolled the ball wide of an open net.

However, any hopes of an Albion recovery faded after 66 minutes when Olsson, booked for a foul on Rooney soon after the restart, was shown yellow for a second yellow card after hauling down Hernandez.

Rooney's second came in the 71st minute when United were awarded a penalty for a push on Hernandez by Andrews.

Rooney easily beat Foster low into the bottom left-hand corner from the spot to leave United into pole position for yet another title.

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