reviving their Champions League campaign<\/a> at Olympiakos’ expense on Wednesday.<\/p>\nRooney’s spectacular finish set the tone for a comfortable victory to move back to within three points of fifth spot in the table.<\/p>\n
The Hammers should have equalised in the 15th minute.<\/p>\n
But Carroll, who was unmarked, spurned a glorious chance to give Hodgson a reminder of his goalscoring prowess ahead of the World Cup when he headed straight at David De Gea from close range.<\/p>\n
United, who had Michael Carrick as a makeshift centre-back in the absence of the injured Rio Ferdinand and suspended Nemanja Vidic, carried a threat each time they went forward.<\/p>\n
Shinji Kagawa, on only his eighth league start of the campaign, forced a fine save from Adrian before the Spaniard beat away a goal-bound shot from countryman Juan Mata.<\/p>\n
But United, who also recalled Alexander Buttner, Marouane Fellaini, Darren Fletcher and Ashley Young, established a two-goal cushion in the 33rd minute.<\/p>\n
Moments after the Hammers had claims for a penalty waved away when Noble went to ground under a Fletcher challenge, Young powered deep into West Ham’s half.<\/p>\n
His cross fell to Noble who could only kick the ball into Rooney’s path and the United man made no mistake from close range.<\/p>\n
West Ham still have to secure their Premier League survival and face Liverpool (home), Arsenal (away) and Manchester City (away) before the end of the season.<\/p>\n
Sam Allardyce can only hope his team can raise their game after a limp performance.<\/p>\n
The damage had already been done when Fellaini crashed to the ground inside the West Ham penalty area after Antonio Nocerino’s challenge in the closing stages.<\/p>\n
But there were few complaints from the visitors when referee Lee Mason waved away their appeals. United had the points safely in the bag.<\/p>\n
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce: <\/strong><\/p>\n“The first goal knocked the stuffing out of us.<\/p>\n
“It’s such a wonderful goal, you’ve got to admire the finish, but to get off to a start like that when we were looking forward to this game, having won the last three at home and trying to get more points on the board.<\/p>\n
“Straight away you’re 1-0 down against a side that have got an abundance of talent.<\/p>\n
“I definitely thought there was a foul [leading up to the first goal].<\/p>\n
“When the ball comes forwards, James Tomkins is going to try and win it. Wayne, not making an attempt for the ball, pushes him with his left arm.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Source: BBC<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Wayne Rooney scored two goals, including an exquisite lobbed finish, as Manchester United overcame Robin van Persie’s absence to win at West Ham. Rooney, now third in United’s all-time goalscorers list on 212, put his side ahead with a stunning lob from just inside the Hammers’ half. The England striker doubled the lead after Mark […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":7914,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[],"tags":[29,3],"yoast_head":"\n
Rooney wonder goal inspires Man Utd win - Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n