24 February,2010 07:36 AM IST | | AFP
Wayne Rooney scored twice as Manchester United kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea by defeating West Ham 3-0 at Old Trafford yesterday.
United's sixth successive home league win saw the champions move to within one point of Chelsea, having played a game more, as England striker Rooney made it 19 goals in 19 outings and 27 in all competitions this season.
Substitute Michael Owen added a third 10 minutes from time within moments of climbing off the bench to seal a comfortable win after a sluggish start.
It was just the send-off Sir Alex Ferguson had demanded as the United manager goes in search of his 20th piece of major domestic silverware in Sunday's League Cup final against Aston Villa at Wembley.
Rio ruled out
Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of Sunday's Carling Cup final between Manchester United and Aston Villa and seems unlikely to be fit to captain England against Egypt at Wembley next week. "He tweaked his back in training and he won't be ready for Sunday," said manager Alex Ferguson.
