England footballer Wayne Rooney made his return for Manchester United as they beat nine-man Wigan Athletic 2-0 to capitalise on defeats for Premier League title rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.
Goals by Patrice Evra and Javier Hernandez at Old Trafford put United level on 28 points with leaders Chelsea, who lost consecutive league games for the first time in more than four years, going down 1-0 at Birmingham City who scored with their only effort on target.
Arsenal wasted the chance to go top in the early game when they blew a two-goal lead against Tottenham Hotspur to lose 3-2 at The Emirates. The Gunners, who had not lost at home in the league to their arch-rivals since 1993, are third on 26 points.
Dark horses Bolton Wanderers are fourth with 22 points, above Manchester City and Spurs on goal difference, after thrashing Newcastle United 5-1. City visit Fulham on Monday.
Liverpool climbed to ninth and ensured West Ham United remain bottom with a 3-0 win at Anfield.
Blackpool also beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 and West Bromwich Albion lost to visitors Stoke City 3-0.
