London  - Manchester United returned to the top of the English Premier League table thanks to a 2-0 win Wednesday over Portsmouth.

Goals from Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick secured victory for the champions at Old Trafford and took them back above Liverpool. With six games to go to Liverpool's five, United are three points clear.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was happy with the result but not with a couple of challenges that left Gary Neville and John O'Shea with injuries.

"They are out for weeks," said Ferguson. "They were both bad tackles, but the referee didn't do anything about them. You normally expect some firm discipline from Peter Walton - but not tonight."

United were ahead within nine minutes at Old Trafford, when Ryan Giggs was sent clear down the left and squared the ball to give Rooney the simplest of finishes.

John O'Shea had a header cleared off the line, while Giggs should have scored himself when he chipped the ball wide.

United squandered more good opportunities to extend their lead, but Paul Scholes, making his 600th appearance for the club, sent a perfect ball through to Carrick, who sealed the victory.

Chelsea's hopes of winning the title look over, after they were held to a goalless draw at home by Everton.

The London side could not break down the Everton defence - Didier Drogba's shot against the woodwork in injury time was the nearest they came - and they are now six points behind, having played a game more than United. (dpa)