Opening goal: Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney collected the Player of the Month award before kick-off then helped steer Manchester United back to the top of the table with a resounding victory over struggling Portsmouth. The England striker broke Pompey's resistance with his 23rd goal of the season, equalling a career-best total. The only surprise, given United's possession, was it took them until the 40th minute to make the breakthrough.

However that goal gave Alex Ferguson's side the impetus they needed and Portsmouth collapsed. United added a second on the stroke of half time with Nani's effort taking two deflections. Michael Carrick had similar luck in the second half and Dimitar Berbatov was also on target before Marc Wilson put the ball into his own net.

Despite the score, it was a poignant day at Old Trafford as the club commemorated the 52nd anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster. Ferguson will no doubt feel the result did the occassion justice. United began on the front foot and Jonny Evans headed narrowly wide. Portsmouth, however, launched a swift counter attack and Edwin van der Sar did well to parry a powerful shot from Anthony Vanden Borre.

Play switched back down the other end and Berbatov was wasteful in front of the posts. He somehow managed to turn his effort wide in the 35th minute when it seemed easier to score.

United did not have to wait much longer before going ahead and inevitably it was Rooney who scored. He got on the end of a cross from Darren Fletcher in the 40th minute to send a header beyond James. United added a second on the stroke of half time, Nani's close-range effort taking a deflection first off Anthony Vanden Borre and then James.

The home side restarted in the same vein and Nani sent a shot high over the bar in the 49th minute after a cut-back from Berbatov. United almost added a third in the 54th minute but James turned Valencia's effort around the post.

Four minutes later James was again cursing his luck as Carrick's drive took a wicked deflection off Michael Hughes. United maintained the momentum and made it 4-0 on the hour with Berbatov regaining possession and sending a low shot into the corner.

It was becoming a rout and Avram Grant was left scratching his head in disbelief at the way his team had collapsed. Even though United were poised to go back to the top the home supporters were anxious for their side to improve their goals tally. They got their wish in 69th minute when Wilson turned Patrice Evra's cross into his own net to make it 5-0.

Substitute Mame Biram Diouf should have added a sixth goal but skied a shot over the bar in the 80th minute. United, however, had to be content with a five-star show which was good enough to overtake Chelsea.