Manchester United were made to work hard for the three points in their 3-1 win over Hull on Humberside. Wayne Rooney proved both hero and villain for the visitor's in an error strewn encounter.
A scrappy first period was notable for two incidents, first off Hull were denied a good shout for a penalty then Rooney gave United the lead in first half injury time.
Richard Garcia raced into the area were a sliding tackle from Nemanja Vidic halted the Australian's progress that prompted furious protests from Hull, but Sir Alex Ferguson's favourite referee Alan Wiley was unimpressed.
Then on the stroke of half-time the England striker finished off from close-range.
But on the hour mark Rooney undid all his previous good work with a woeful back-pass which resulted in a penalty - Craig Fagan did the rest from 12 yards.
On 73 minutes Rooney made amends when his cross was turned in by Hull defender Andy Dawson then late-on he set up Dimitar Berbatov for number three.
The win leaves the champions just two points adrift of league leaders Chelsea.
