Rooney

LONDON (Reuters):

WAYNE ROONEY steered Manchester United to a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United that sent them six points clear at the top of the Premier League yesterday.

United were looking to keep the pressure on second-placed Chelsea, who face West Ham United today, and took a fourth-minute lead through midfielder Michael Carrick.

Rooney made sure of the points five minutes into the second half, lashing the ball home after a fine move.

Arsenal climbed to third with a 3-1 home victory over Manchester City in the night's other game.

United are on 81 points from 33 games, while champions Chelsea have 75 from 32. Arsenal have 62 from 34 matches, one point ahead of Liverpool who play Middlesbrough today.

Ideal start

It was a lacklustre performance at Old Trafford from United, who made an ideal start when Carrick latched on to an angled pass from winger Cristiano Ronaldo and sent the ball over keeper Paddy Kenny. Rooney sealed it when the England striker deftly controlled a ball over the top from winger Ryan Giggs and added a superb finish to beat Kenny for his 20th goal of the season.

The Blades nearly grabbed a consolation goal in the final minutes, though, when Michael Tonge hit the crossbar.

Arsenal ground out their victory in the closing stages at the Emirates Stadium.

Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky gave them a 12th minute lead, but American midfielder DaMarcus Beasley levelled for City against the run of play just before the break.

Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who got Arsenal's winner on Saturday against Bolton Wanderers, restored the lead with a 73rd minute volley and Brazilian Julio Baptista rounded off the scoring after good work by Belarus midfielder Alexander Hleb.