MANCHESTER UNITED REGAIN PREMIER LEAGUE LEAD WITH BLOWOUT WIN OVER HULL

Much of the talk among Manchester United faithful over the past week had centered on the soccer team’s off field financial issues.  Reports surfaced that Man U is now in debt over 700 million pounds, and that they’re considering a number of unpopular steps—including selling their hallowed Old Trafford home field—to shore up the bottom line.  On Saturday, however, the focus was back on soccer as Wayne Rooney scored four times to lead Man U to a 4-0 drubbing of Hull.  The victory put Man U back on top of the English Premier League table, two points clear of Arsenal and Chelsea.  The ‘Red Devils’ also rewarded soccer betting enthusiasts with the victory as lopsided -700 home favorites.

Rooney scored just seven minutes into the game, and it would be the only tally of the first half which ended with Man U up 1-0.  That score would stand until the 82nd minute of action when Rooney went on a rampage.  He would find the net at the 82 minute mark, again at 86 minutes and once more during stoppage time for the first four goal game of his career.  Afterwards, Rooney talked about his big day:

"It is the first time I have scored four times in a professional football match and it is a great feeling. I am really proud of the achievement. It is something special. I'm confident of beating my best season at United. I will be disappointed if I don't because I've still got hopefully another 20 games to play. I won't be happy if I don't get more than 23.The difference this season is that I've consciously been getting in the box more and trying to put myself in goalscoring situations."

Man U manager Sir Alex Ferguson also praised his charge:

"Without doubt those four goals were the highlight for me. He has been wanting to develop himself as a scorer and there were some terrific finishes today.  He has always been a main player for us, from the moment he came to the club. He never gets left out."

Hull manager Phil Brown also added his gracious praise for Rooney:

"I would have to say he is one of the best strikers in the world just now. He is someone who is capable of making half chances into a great chance. When you see him in that form it certainly bodes well for England at the World Cup."

It was a welcome respite from the off field controversy, which has seen a groundswell of opposition to Manchester United’s US based ownership.  Man U is owned by the Glazer family, which also owns the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  The Glazers have been the target of fan protests, as well as less than complimentary chants and jeers from the raucous Man U fans.