Man United go three points clear, Chelsea held by Everton
LONDON (Reuters) - Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick scored for Manchester United in a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth as the champions turned the screw in the Premier League title race on Wednesday.
A less than convincing victory was enough to put United three points clear with a game in hand after they had been knocked off top spot for 24 hours by Liverpool''s 4-4 draw at home to Arsenal.
Chelsea are six points behind United, also having played a game more, after Guus Hiddink''s side were held 0-0 by Everton at Stamford Bridge in an FA Cup final rehearsal.
Rooney put United in front after nine minutes, sliding in from close range to finish a low Ryan Giggs cross.
United were edgy after the break but Carrick made the points safe eight minutes from time after a good pass from Paul Scholes, who was making his 600th United appearance.