Wayne Rooney scored twice to inspire Manchester United to a 4-0 drubbing of Wigan Athletic in Premier League action on Wednesday.

Rio Ferdinand scored his first Premiership goal for United on the half hour before Rooney registered a brace and Ruud Van Nistelrooy completed the rout from a 70th minute penalty-kick.

The win helped United regain their second place in the Premiership table on 34 points, nine adrift from pace-setters Chelsea and three ahead of Liverpool.

Ferdinand headed the Red Devils in front when he connected with a Ryan Giggs corner-kick.

Five minutes later, Rooney extended the lead for the home side when he threaded his way between two defenders and unleashed a blistering low drive home.

Rooney hit the bar from close range just after re-start but made no mistake when he slotted the ball past the onrushing Wigan keeper for United’s third in the 55th minute.

In the 70th minute, Wigan goalkeeper Mike Pollitt allegedly brought down Van Nistelrooy in the area for a penalty.

The Dutch international successfully converted the resulting spot kick himself to cap a marvelous night for United’s fans.

Elsewhere, West Ham United scraped past Everton with a 2-1 victory.

James Beattie gave Everton a ninth-minute lead before the Hammers hit back through an own goal from David Weir) and 67th minute Bobby Zamora strike.