Premier League - Magical Rooney strike lifts United to victory

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney prepares to hit a shot from just inside the West Ham half (GEtty)

Premier League, Upton Park – West Ham 0 Manchester United 2 (Rooney 8, 33)

Wayne Rooney scored a spectacular 50-yard half-volley as Manchester United built on their Champions League exploits with a fine 2-0 victory over West Ham in the Premier League.

Rooney’s effort from distance inside 10 minutes completely bamboozled Adrian in the Hammers goal as the ball bounced once before flying into the roof of the net in a goal that evoked memories of David Beckham’s iconic strike against Wimbledon in 1996.

And the England striker doubled the visitors’ lead when the unfortunate Mark Noble saw his clearance spin out to Rooney, who could not miss from inside the six-yard box.

Rooney spurned a couple of decent openings for a hat-trick as United threatened to run away with the match before the break.

United ground out victory after the restart with West Ham failing to create a meaningful chance despite a succession of corners, as the makeshift defensive pairing of Michael Carrick and Phil Jones held firm.

Defeat leaves the Hammers six points from safety with eight games remaining.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United): His opener will feature in Premier League montages for years to come.

PLAYER RATINGS

West Ham: Adrian 5, McCartney 5, Collins 5, Tomkins 5, Taylor 6, Noble 6, Demel 6, Diame 5, Nolan 5, Downing 6, Carroll 6. Subs: Jarvis 6, Cole 6, Nocerino 6.

Manchester United: De Gea 6, Rafael 5, Jones 7, Carrick 7, Buttner 6, Mata 7, Fletcher 6, Fellaini 7, Young 6, Kagawa 7, Rooney 8. Subs: Hernadez 6, Welbeck 6.