The Hammers missed a handful of first-half chances before United broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time. Paul Scholes rolled back the years with a thumping strike as the Reds closed the gap on leaders Chelsea.

Fergie's side, who lost Gary Neville and later Wes Brown threw injury, oozed class after the break and another wonderful strike from Darron Gibson doubled the advantage.

Antonio Valencia's tap-in sealed the win, before the winger crossed for Rooney who bagged United's fourth.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted with United's second-half display, but will be concerned by injury woes. Fletcher started at full-back, and substitute Carrick came on at centre-half with United's list of injured defenders now eight-strong.

The United boss will be hoping some of those problems have subsided for next weekend's league clash against Villa - but a host of changes can be expected mid-week as the Reds complete their Champions League group campaign in Wolfsburg.

Full Time - West Ham United 0-4 Manchester United
Attendance - 34,980

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