Rooney and co get United back on track

Manchester United put their midweek Champions League exit behind them by easily overcoming Wolves 4-1.

Two goals apiece from Nani and Wayne Rooney ensured the Red Devils closed the gap on their city rivals to two points.

United opened the scoring as Nani scored from outside the area and almost in identical fashion Rooney doubled the lead. Steven Fletcher gave the visitors a lifeline just minutes into the second half, before Antonio Valencia tied up both Nani and Rooney in quick succession, for their doubles and United’s third and fourth goals.

The returning Michael Carrick missed Manchester United’s first chance of the game as he headed over after good work from the impressive Valencia.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were on top and it wasn’t long before they deservedly opened the scoring. Nani received the ball out wide and cut inside to smash home, beating Wayne Hennessey’s despairing dive.

Shortly after, Rooney scored for the first time in the Premier League since the 3-1 victory at home to Chelsea, way back in September. Rooney’s shot was well placed, with Hennessey’s view unsighted due to a cluster of defenders in his way, meaning the keeper could do nothing to prevent United’s second.

Having comfortably made it to half-time, United let Wolves back into the game early in the second half as Fletcher headed home well from a Matt Jarvis cross.

A chance at levelling the game for the Premier League strugglers never arrived as Valencia teed up two goals in six minutes.

The Ecuadorian winger was too quick for Stephen Ward and his cross was perfect for Nani to stroke home Manchester United’s third.

Again Valencia exposed Ward, as the winger’s turn of pace deceived the full-back before finding Rooney at the back post who finished well as United made it 4-1.

Sub Federico Macheda saw his late shot well saved by Hennessey; however it mattered not as United got back to winning ways in impressive style.