Manchester United swept Fulham aside with a scintillating 3-0 display at Old Trafford on March 14 2010 and found themselves at the top of the English Premiership after a brace from Wayne Rooney and a significant performance from Bulgarian international Dimitar Berbatov.

The Bulgarian proved up front just how lethal a partnership with Rooney could be, as Berbatov set up the second goal for United, with a stunning pass to Rooney in the middle of the box in the 81^rd minute, before the Bulgarian scored one of his own to seal the score at 3-0.

But Berbatov, was influential throughout the match, as United pushed relentlessly forward and created a string of chances. Green and yellow scarves adorned the Stratford End as the fans displayed their full support for the team, and made clear just what they thought of their American owners.

Rooney netted his 31st and 32nd goals of the season in the second half, after being on the receiving end of two pinpoint crosses from Nani and Berbatov, respectively.

If anyone at the beginning of the season doubted that the Englishman would be capable of filling the void left by the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, then the statistics speak volumes. Rooney is on fire and it will not be a stretch to assume that he is chasing 40 goals this season.

United dominated possession for vast swathes of the game, but Fulham were well organised in defence, and the hosts really had to sweat their socks off. The visitors battled it out, massed ranks behind the ball and their defence held out in the first half for a goalless draw.

Meanwhile, the guests displayed aggression of their own as both Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora came close for the Cottagers.

But with 20 seconds gone after the match was resumed at the break and Rooney was on target, 1-0. The hosts went forward as the gate was finally breached and the pressure on Australian keeper Mark Schwarzer increased. Then Berbatov displayed stunning technique on the right flank to deliver a precise low cross to Rooney in the box and the hosts were up 2-0 in the 81^st minute.

The Bulgarian's instrumental role up front produced its final payoff as he scored the third in the 88^th minute and was mobbed by his team-mates.

The reigning champions kept their aspirations for the fourth consecutive title alive, as they leapfrogged Chelsea on top with 66 points from 30 matches, while the Blues are second with 64 but with a game in hand. Third are Arsenal with 64 points from 30 outings.