Half-Time Report: Wayne Rooney brace hands Manchester United lead

A brace from Wayne Rooney has handed Manchester United a 2-0 half-time lead in their Premier League clash with West Ham United at Upton Park.

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The Red Devils started the game on the front foot and could have taken the lead when Ashley Young lifted a corner into the penalty area and Marouane Fellaini powered a header at goal, but his effort was cleared off the line.

David Moyes's side did go ahead in spectacular fashion through Rooney in the eighth minute. The England international striker collected a clearance just beyond the halfway line, spotted Adrian off his line and powered the ball over the keeper's head and into the net.

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United could have doubled their advantage when Rooney cut the ball back to Juan Mata on the edge of the area and the Spaniard took a touch inside the box, but his effort was beaten away by Adrian.

The visitors did increase their lead when West Ham had an appeal for a penalty turned down and Young raced upfield and crossed into the box; Mark Noble's clearance fell into Rooney's path and was diverted into the bottom corner.