<<Print>>

MANCHESTER UNITED extended their lead at the top of the Premier League � and boosted their goal difference � by thumping 10-man Wolves at Molineux. Javier Hernandez netted twice in the second half, following goals from Jonny Evans, Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck before the break. The only surprise was man-of-the-match Wayne Rooney failing to get his name on the scoresheet. United players were queuing up to score from the moment Roland Zubar saw red on 39 minutes for a crazy second yellow � his side already trailing after Evans' first goal for the club. At full-time Wolves were bottom of the league and looking a broken team destined for Championship football next season. Alex Ferguson's men meanwhile sit four points clear of rivals Manchester City ahead of their game with Chelsea on Wednesday. Fergie had goals in mind when he named Rooney, Hernandez and Welbeck up front, with Paul Scholes pulling the strings in midfield. Zubar was arguably the best Wolves player until his reckless dismissal, making thrusting runs down the right and some sharp defensive work to keep United at bay. United took a while to find their stride, with Michael Carrick's screwed effort from 20 yards their best of the early exchanges. Wolves could have even grabbed themselves an early lead, with 10-goal leading scorer Steven Fletcher glancing a header just wide from a teasing Matt Jarvis cross. United went ahead after 21 minutes though, with Evans the unlikely scorer. A deep corner from Rooney picked out the unmarked Carrick, who had time to turn the ball back across goal to Evans � and he made no mistake from close range. Zubar picked up his yellow six minutes later for a scything challenge on Rooney. And his second � a crazy lunge on Welbeck � prompted his marching orders and the opening of the floodgates. David Davis limped out of the action after 42 minutes and was replaced by Eggert Jonsson. A minute later Valencia doubled United's lead. The winger was allowed a free run into the Wolves box after racing on to Rooney's pass and he drilled his shot past Hennessey into the far corner of the net. And then on the stroke of half-time Welbeck made it 3-0 with a simple finish after Evans and Valencia had combined. Wolves appeared to have nothing but pride to play for when they came out for the second half. Jarvis made a good run down the left flank after linking up with Stephen Ward but his low cross was cut out by Evans. Fletcher climbed at the far post to attack an inswinging free-kick but his header lacked power or direction. United were soon back on the offensive and Hennessey turned Rooney's dipping effort around the post. It came as no surprise when Hernandez made it 4-0 with a free header from Rafael's chip into the box. Wolves owner Steve Morgan looked grim faced as he watched his team's latest debacle. Doyle made way for Michael Kightly while United brought on Paul Pogba for Carrick at the same time. Hernandez struck for the second time to make it 5-0 after Valencia and Welbeck had combined. United skipper Patrice Evra was replaced by Fabio as Ferguson enjoyed the breathing space. David de Gea did make a rare save from a low Michael Kightly effort from just inside the box but United still cruised to full-time looking in total control. Wolves: Hennessey, Zubar, Stearman, Bassong, Ward, Foley, Edwards, Davis (Jonsson 43), Jarvis, Doyle (Kightly 58), Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake 77). Subs not used: De Vries, Hunt, Johnson, Berra. Sent off: Zubar (40). Booked: Zubar. Man Utd: De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans (Smalling 74), Evra (Fabio 63), Valencia, Carrick (Pogba 58), Scholes, Welbeck,Hernandez, Rooney. Subs not used: Amos, Giggs, Park, Young. Booked: Welbeck. Goals: Evans 21, Valencia 43, Welbeck 45, Hernandez 56, 61. Att: 27,494 Ref: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).