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

Goals from Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick secured victory for the champions at Old Trafford and took them back above Liverpool at the top.

With six games to go to Liverpool's five, United are three points clear at the top.

United were ahead within nine minutes at Old Trafford when Ryan Giggs was sent clear down the left and he 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, though, 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 the nearest they came - and they are now six points behind, having played a game more than United. (dpa)