Wayne Rooney [ Images ] made sure Manchester United [ Images ] ended the weekend as they began it on Sunday with two goals in a 3-0 home win over Fulham [ Images ] to nose the champions back in front in the Premier League title race.

Rooney and his United team mates suffered a frustrating first half but the prolific striker needed less than a minute of the second to puncture Fulham's rearguard, side-footing his 31st goal of the season from Nani's pass.

His second with six minutes remaining calmed the jitters against a dogged Fulham side for whom striker Bobby Zamora [ Images ] squandered two gilt-edged chances.

Dimitar Berbatov [ Images ] added a third in the final minute as United, bidding for a fourth consecutive title, moved to 66 points with eight games remaining.

Chelsea [ Images ], who have played a game less, have 64 points, as do Arsenal [ Images ] after both London [ Images ] clubs won on Saturday.