Source: PA
Rooney treble slays Hammers
Wayne Rooney scored a dramatic hat-trick as Manchester United produced another sensational late comeback to beat West Ham 4-2 and edge closer to the Barclays Premier League title.
United appeared certain to open the door for Arsenal and Chelsea when their defence went into meltdown, gifting the Hammers two first-half penalties which Mark Noble duly dispatched.
But the leaders were rewarded for going for broke in the second half, Rooney starting the fightback with just 25 minutes remaining, completing his 14-minute treble from the spot before substitute Javier Hernandez sealed the points.
The result moved United eight points clear ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea before their respective games, while dragging West Ham back into the drop zone on goal difference.
Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson spent the build-up to the game bemoaning refereeing decisions he claimed had gone against his side this season.
But United got the rub of the green at Upton Park, with returning captain Nemanja Vidic lucky to stay on the field when it was still 2-0 as United went on to overpower the hosts after the restart.
