United rout Wolves to move four clear

Manchester United went goal crazy as they extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points and pushed woeful ten-man Wolverhampton Wanderers into bottom spot after a 5-0 rout. Jonny Evans' first United goal broke the deadlock and then Wolves had defender Ronald Zubar sent off before Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck also struck before half-time. Javier Hernandez's brace then completed United's easy victory. It was a fifth successive league win for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who dominated from start to finish against their ailing opponents. They were able to cut through a makeshift Wolves midfield and jittery back four almost at will. United could even afford the luxury of a rare blank day goal-wise from Wayne Rooney, who was a constant threat. In contrast, Wolves have now leaked 19 goals in their last five games and 14 in four under caretaker manager Terry Connor, which means they have replaced Wigan Athletic in 20th position. Ferguson put his team's performance in perspective by telling Sky Sports: "It was OK, I don't think it was anything special. I think we've taken our goals well. "The finish from Valencia was fantastic. Antonio is back in the team and his form was fantastic. He's made one for Danny Welbeck before half-time that killed the match. It's difficult for them [Wolves] with ten men, they were honest and kept plugging away but the 3-0 advantage was too much for them." Asked about the title race, Ferguson added: "Hopefully we achieve what we want to achieve. What's significant today is it's reduced the goal difference by five goals and that's down to three now and it may make a difference at the end of the season. I expect it to go to the wire." The home side, without a win in front of their own fans since early December, began promisingly. Zubar showed his defensive prowess with a superb tackle to halt the run of Hernandez on the edge of the Wolves area. Kevin Doyle had Wolves' first attempt on goal but David De Gea dealt with his shot on the turn. Wolves appealed in vain for a penalty after Rafael Da Silva tangled with Matt Jarvis inside the box. The England winger then delivered a teasing cross and ten-goal leading scorer Steven Fletcher glanced his header just wide. Evans claims first goal But United gradually assumed control and went ahead after 21 minutes through Evans' first-ever goal for the club. A deep corner from Rooney picked out the unmarked Michael Carrick, who had time to turn the ball back across goal to Evans, who made no mistake from close range. Zubar became the first player to be yellow-carded after 27 minutes for a late challenge on Rooney. Then he was sent off after 39 minutes for a second bookable offence when he clattered into Welbeck close to the touchline. Welbeck could have made it 2-0 after being played in by Rooney but he tripped over his own feet. Wolves midfielder David Davis limped out of the action after 42 minutes and was replaced by captain Roger Johnson. A minute later Valencia doubled United's lead. The winger was allowed a free run into the Wolves box after racing onto Rooney's pass and he drilled his shot past Wayne Hennessey into the far corner of the net. On the stroke of half-time Welbeck made it 3-0 with a simple finish after Evans and Valencia had combined. United were soon back on the offensive after the interval and Hennessey turned Rooney's dipping effort around the post. Hernandez hits twice It came as no surprise when Hernandez made it 4-0 with a free header from Da Silva's chip into the box. Then Hernandez completed United's scoring after Valencia and Welbeck had combined. De Gea made a rare save from a Michael Kightly effort before Welbeck was booked for bringing down the Wolves player. United looked as if they could score at will and Hennessey did well to deny Welbeck.