Manchester United tightened the screw in the Premier League title race with a 2-0 win over Portsmouth as Chelsea were held to a 0-0 home draw by Everton.

Rooney's early strike and a late goal from Michael Carrick sent below-par United back to the top spot ahead of Liverpool, three points clear with a game in hand.

Anderson released Ryan Giggs down the left after nine minutes and the veteran winger, as he has done throughout his career, picked the perfect pass to allow Rooney the simplest of finishes.

Photographs: Reuters