Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (top) is on the shoulders of Portsmouth's goalkeeper David James after they collided during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, yesterday. - AP
MANCHESTER, England (AP):
Manchester United moved closer to a third straight English Premier League title yesterday after beating Portsmouth 2-0, to go three points ahead of Liverpool at the top with a game in hand.
The threat from Chelsea lessened as Guus Hiddink's team was held 0-0 by Everton in yesterday's other Premier League fixture to slip six points adrift, having played a game more than United.
Wayne Rooney scored after nine minutes and Michael Carrick fired low past Portsmouth goalkeeper David James in the 82nd to ensure United would take advantage of Liverpool's 4-4 draw with Arsenal on Tuesday.
Decent position
"It's a boost for us," Carrick said. "Watching the game last night and seeing that result we were desperate to put on a good performance and win tonight.
"We've got three points and we are in a decent position, so hopefully we can get the momentum up until the end of the season and put the title to bed as quickly as we can."
With six games remaining, United top the standings with 74 points, followed by Liverpool (71) and Chelsea (68).
Alex Ferguson made nine changes from the inexperienced side that lost Sunday's FA Cup semi-final to Everton on penalties. Ryan Giggs made his 799th appearance and Paul Scoles his 600th.