Manchester United go clear at the top after win at West Brom

London, Jan 1 : Manchester United moved three points clear at the top of the English Premier League, for a few hours at least, after they clinched a 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion Saturday

Wayne Rooney put United ahead inside three minutes with his first goal from open play since March but James Morrison volleyed West Brom level soon with a stunning 25-yard strike.

West Brom should have gone ahead after Jerome Thomas was fouled in the area but Peter Odemwingie scuffed his penalty wide of the post.

And Javier Hernandez then made West Brom pay with the winner 15 minutes from time to leave United three points better off than neighbours Manchester City, who play Blackpool later Saturday.

United were lucky to gain all three points against a West Brom side that showed the more invention at times and who fought back from the sucker punch of going an early goal down.