Three goals from Louis Saha, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney in addition of an own goal by Ian Pearce within the first 20 minutes gave United a commanding lead over Fulham.

Heidar Helguson scored the consolation for Fulham late in the first-half before England international Rooney, who will miss the upcoming three games for United in the Premiership due to suspension, put the icing on the cake in the second period.

The victory put United on top of the Premiership table on three points while Fulham lie in the bottom with no points.

French striker Saha scored United's first goal of the season after seven minutes when he connected with Ryan Giggs' inch-perfect cross from the left flank to head home.

United were two ahead in the 14th minute when Pearce failed to clear Saha's low cross, only to convert it into his own net through Antti Niemi's legs.

Two minutes later, Rooney killed-off Fulham hopes of returning to the match after he netted the third from the rebound.

Saha met Gary Neville's cross with a volley but Niemi parried it into the path of Rooney who slot into the empty net.

In the 19th minute, Portuguese winger Ronaldo added the fourth after receiving Rooney's cross at the far post with a first-timer into the roof of the net.

Fulham pulled one back five minutes before the interval when Helguson collected Jimmy Bullard's pass on the edge of the area before firing a shot that took deflection off Rio Ferdinand's body and looped over United keeper Edwin van der Sar.

Rooney completed the rout in the 64th minute when he sent a low shot into the far corner of the net after being fed by Wes Brown.