London, Dec 16 : Champions Manchester United bounced back from a shock defeat last weekend to move alongside Chelsea at the top of the English Premier League after a 3-0 win over a weakened Wolverhampton Wanderers side.

A Wayne Rooney penalty, a Nemanja Vidic header and a goal by Antonio Valencia gave United an easy win, lifting them level with Chelsea on 37 points Tuesday.

Chelsea can regain their lead if they beat Portsmouth Wednesday night.

Aston Villa moved above Arsenal to third after an impressive 2-0 win at Sunderland, while Birmingham City beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 to go sixth after their fifth straight win.

Bolton Wanderers moved out of the bottom three with a 3-1 victory over West Ham, who are second from bottom.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy made 10 changes to his side from their weekend win at Tottenham Hotspur and his makeshift side were easily seen off by United.

Rooney put them ahead after half an hour, while Vidic doubled the home side's lead two minutes before half-time.

Valencia then fired in the third goal midway through the second half to seal an easy win for United and put the pressure on Chelsea.

Some Wolves fans showed their displeasure with manager McCarthy for his team selection but he was unrepentant afterwards.

"I understand their reaction, but at the end of the season I will be judged on whether Wolves have stayed in the Premier League or not," he said. "It was my strongest team - because it was a team with fresh legs."

Villa maintained their momentum with an excellent win at Sunderland, who have beaten Liverpool and Arsenal at home this season.

"I'm naturally delighted with the performance and the result," Villa manager Martin O'Neill said.

"This was a big, big game for us tonight, a big big test. I think what was very pleasing tonight was that we tried to play again.

"Delightful that we maintained our momentum. The players have a good level of belief - I'm really pleased for them."

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish was understandably delighted after his side made it five wins in a row with a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

"I'm proud of the players and I think the fans should be proud of them as well," McLeish said.

"They have shown a fantastic appetite and attitude since day one in the Premier League. They have also shown they can rise to the challenge when the expectation levels go up."(DPA)