Rooney injury mars United triumph

Manchester United FC closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool FC to two points with a hard-fought victory against Wigan Athletic FC that came at a price as goalscorer Wayne Rooney limped off with a hamstring injury.

Pleasure and pain
Rooney's contribution at Old Trafford lasted only eight minutes but he proved the difference between the sides. The game was only 54 seconds old when the United No10 slid in to convert Cristiano Ronaldo's cross, but pleasure turned to pain as Rooney was soon forced off with an injury Sir Alex Ferguson said could rule him out for three weeks. Carlos Tévez came on, and could have sealed the match before half-time only to fire wide after rounding goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.

Chelsea triumph
United nevertheless won to move within two points of Liverpool with a game in hand, climbing above a Chelsea FC side they beat so convincingly on Sunday. Luiz Felipe Scolari's charges were in FA Cup action on Wednesday, and it looked like going from bad to worse when they fell behind against third division side Southend United FC in their third-round replay. Michael Ballack equalised before the interval to revive hopes, and second-half goals from Salomon Kalou, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard sealed a 4-1 triumph. Hull City AFC are also through to the fourth round after seeing off Newcastle United FC 1-0.