By Sam Sheringham BBC Sport

Wayne Rooney and Nani both scored twice as Manchester United gave the perfect response to their Champions League exit with a commanding win over Wolves.

Nani cut inside from the left and blasted the opener into the corner before Rooney made it 2-0 with a low drive from the edge of the area.

Steven Fletcher gave Wolves a lifeline with a header just after half-time.

But United hit back with Antonio Valencia setting up Nani for a tap-in and crossing for Rooney to rifle home.

Ferguson praises Manchester United's 'fantastic' youngsters

United put their miserable surrender in Basel behind them in a display brimming with positive intent and attacking verve.

And in the week when Rooney's three-match England ban was reduced to two by European football's governing body Uefa, the striker ended an eight-game Premier League goal drought with two authoritative finishes.

While Wolves boss Mick McCarthy's decision to field an attacking 4-4-2 formation merely played into United's hands, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's tactics paid off, as he made four changes to the side that lost 2-1 in Switzerland.

Phil Jones produced a confident attacking performance alongside Michael Carrick in midfield and Valencia - brought in at Ashley Young's expense - proved a constant threat on the right wing.

DID YOU KNOW?

When United were last eliminated from the Champions League group stage, in 2005, they went unbeaten in their next 10 matches in all competitions

The victory ensured United closed the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to two points, with Roberto Mancini's side heading to Chelsea on Monday.

The game might have taken a different course had Fletcher not sliced wide after being teed up in space on the edge of the box in the first minute.

But United soon settled into their rhythm, with Valencia enjoying plenty of space down the right and crossing for Carrick, whose diving header flew just over the bar.

Carrick then played a ball inside right-back Ronald Zubar for Rooney, whose shot from a tight angle was sharply saved by Wayne Hennessey.

Moments later, Nani cut in from the left-hand side before unleashing a powerful shot into the corner from 20 yards.

United were better than us - McCarthy

The second goal arrived in similar fashion, with Rooney this time darting across the edge of the box and smashing a shot through a crowd of players past an unsighted Hennessey.

Wolves got themselves back in the game shortly after half-time as Matt Jarvis crossed from the left for Fletcher to head his 11th goal in 16 games into the roof of the net.

The goal only served to reawaken United, who re-established their two-goal lead when Jones threaded a pass to Valencia, who crossed low for Nani to convert from six yards.

Valencia rounded off a fine afternoon's work with the assist for the fourth goal as his cross picked out Rooney to beat Hennessey with a powerful low shot on the turn.

Another marauding run from Jones almost produced a fifth goal but Hennessey did well to foil Federico Macheda at the near post.

Wolves' sixth away league defeat in eight games leaves them just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Lineup, Bookings (1) & Substitutions (6)

Manchester United

  • 01 De Gea
  • 03 Evra (Fryers - 67' )
  • 05 Ferdinand Booked
  • 06 Evans
  • 12 Smalling
  • 04 Jones
  • 16 Carrick
  • 17 Nani (Young - 77' )
  • 25 Valencia
  • 10 Rooney
  • 19 Welbeck (Macheda - 74' )

Substitutes

  • 34 Lindegaard
  • 51 Fryers
  • 11 Giggs
  • 13 Park Ji-sung
  • 18 Young
  • 28 Gibson
  • 27 Macheda

Wolverhampton

  • 01 Hennessey
  • 11 Ward
  • 14 Johnson
  • 16 Berra
  • 23 Zubar
  • 04 Edwards (Milijas - 31' )
  • 08 Henry
  • 17 Jarvis
  • 24 O'Hara (Hunt - 70' )
  • 10 Fletcher (Ebanks-Blake - 76' )
  • 29 Doyle

Substitutes

  • 31 De Vries
  • 03 Elokobi
  • 05 Stearman
  • 12 Hunt
  • 19 Hammill
  • 20 Milijas
  • 09 Ebanks-Blake
Ref: Oliver
Att: 75,627

Match Stats

Shots

22 11

On target

18 8

Corners

8 2

Fouls

7 8

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +3:03 Full time

Full Time The game is over, as the referee blows his whistle.

90:00 +2:41

Chris Smalling fouled by Stephen Ward, the ref awards a free kick. Indirect free kick taken by David De Gea.

90:00 +2:33

The ball is sent over by Ronald Zubar, Jonathan Evans makes a clearance.

90:00 +0:36

Nenad Milijas produces a left-footed shot from inside the area that clears the bar.

90:00 +0:07

Matthew Jarvis takes the free kick.

90:00 +0:07 Booking

Booking Rio Ferdinand receives a caution.

90:00 +0:01

Unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle by Rio Ferdinand results in a free kick.

88:29

Matthew Jarvis has an effort at goal. Save by David De Gea.

87:31

Wayne Rooney takes a shot. Blocked by Christophe Berra.

87:10

Wayne Rooney takes a shot. Blocked by Christophe Berra.

84:40

Effort on goal by Ronald Zubar from outside the box goes harmlessly over the bar.

84:13

Stephen Hunt takes a inswinging corner from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance made by David De Gea.

83:12

Centre by Phil Jones, Roger Johnson manages to make a clearance.

81:21

Matthew Jarvis delivers the ball, Shot by Stephen Hunt from 12 yards. Ezekiel Fryers gets a block in.

78:55

Wayne Rooney takes a shot. Wayne Hennessey makes a save.

77:08

Matthew Jarvis crosses the ball, clearance made by Rio Ferdinand.

75:50

Michael Carrick restarts play with the free kick.

75:50 Substitution

Substitution Luis Nani goes off and Ashley Young comes on.

75:50 Substitution

Substitution Steven Fletcher goes off and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake comes on.

75:50

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Federico Macheda by Ronald Zubar.

75:40

Matthew Jarvis sends in a cross, Rio Ferdinand makes a clearance.

74:24

Kevin Doyle challenges Michael Carrick unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Rio Ferdinand.

73:42 Substitution

Substitution Federico Macheda on for Danny Welbeck.

73:19

Centre by Matthew Jarvis, Steven Fletcher takes a shot. Save by David De Gea.

71:54

Karl Henry crosses the ball, Rio Ferdinand makes a clearance.

71:40

The ball is crossed by Stephen Ward, clearance made by Rio Ferdinand.

71:00

Stephen Hunt concedes a free kick for a foul on Michael Carrick. Jonathan Evans takes the indirect free kick.

69:48 Substitution

Substitution Stephen Hunt joins the action as a substitute, replacing Jamie O'Hara.

67:43

Jamie O'Hara takes a shot. Save by David De Gea.

33:54

Patrice Evra takes a shot. Roger Johnson gets a block in.

66:53

The referee blows for offside against Steven Fletcher. Direct free kick taken by David De Gea.

66:11

Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.

66:11 Substitution

Substitution Ezekiel Fryers comes on in place of Patrice Evra.

66:11

Danny Welbeck is flagged offside by the assistant referee.

65:14

Danny Welbeck takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.

63:29

Nenad Milijas takes a shot. David De Gea makes a save.

63:17

Shot by Danny Welbeck. Save by Wayne Hennessey.

61:56

The ball is crossed by Antonio Valencia,

61:50

Assist on the goal came from Antonio Valencia.

61:50 Goal scored

Goal - Wayne Rooney - Man Utd 4 - 1 Wolves Wayne Rooney scores a goal from inside the six-yard box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Man Utd 4-1 Wolverhampton.

60:21

Shot from just outside the box by Antonio Valencia misses to the left of the goal.

59:29

Jonathan Evans is ruled offside. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.

58:47

Corner taken right-footed by Wayne Rooney from the right by-line to the near post, Chris Smalling takes a shot.

58:14

Luis Nani takes the inswinging corner, Jonathan Evans takes a shot. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.

58:09

Centre by Luis Nani, Ronald Zubar gets a block in.

55:51

Assist on the goal came from Antonio Valencia.

55:51 Goal scored

Goal - Luis Nani - Man Utd 3 - 1 Wolves Luis Nani finds the back of the net with a goal from close range low into the middle of the goal. Man Utd 3-1 Wolverhampton.

55:51

The ball is crossed by Antonio Valencia,

55:19

Patrice Evra delivers the ball, Wayne Hennessey makes a comfortable save.

54:53

Corner taken right-footed by Luis Nani from the right by-line to the near post, Christophe Berra makes a clearance.

54:47

The ball is swung over by Chris Smalling, Christophe Berra makes a clearance.

53:33

Nenad Milijas concedes a free kick for a foul on Danny Welbeck. Indirect free kick taken by Michael Carrick.

53:24

The ball is delivered by Matthew Jarvis, clearance by Jonathan Evans.

52:18

Luis Nani concedes a free kick for a foul on Ronald Zubar. Wayne Hennessey takes the indirect free kick.

50:26

The ball is sent over by Phil Jones, Shot from close in by Danny Welbeck misses to the left of the goal.

49:29

A cross is delivered by Matthew Jarvis.

46:54

The ball is crossed by Matthew Jarvis,

46:49

Assist on the goal came from Matthew Jarvis.

46:49 Goal scored

Goal - Steven Fletcher - Man Utd 2 - 1 Wolves Steven Fletcher finds the net with a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Man Utd 2-1 Wolverhampton.

45:01

The game restarts for the second half.

45:00 +1:18 Half time

Half Time The ref blows to end the first period.

45:00 +0:52

The ball is crossed by Matthew Jarvis, Ronald Zubar takes a shot. Save by David De Gea.

45:00 +0:20

Jamie O'Hara takes a shot. Phil Jones gets a block in.

45:00 +0:13

The ball is delivered by Karl Henry, clearance made by David De Gea.

44:43

Corner taken right-footed by Matthew Jarvis.

44:38

The ball is swung over by Matthew Jarvis, Jonathan Evans manages to make a clearance.

44:12

Shot from 20 yards by Luis Nani. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.

43:23

Corner taken by Luis Nani from the right by-line to the near post, clearance by Kevin Doyle.

43:03

Shot by Danny Welbeck from 18 yards. Blocked by Roger Johnson.

42:27

The assistant referee flags for offside against Danny Welbeck. Karl Henry takes the indirect free kick.

41:45

Jamie O'Hara sends in a cross, Jonathan Evans makes a clearance.

41:37

Centre by Stephen Ward, clearance by Michael Carrick.

40:02

Centre by Nenad Milijas, clearance made by Rio Ferdinand.

38:53

Matthew Jarvis sends in a cross, Jonathan Evans manages to make a clearance.

35:54

Antonio Valencia is ruled offside. Direct free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.

35:15

The ball is swung over by Matthew Jarvis, clearance made by Phil Jones.

34:52

The ball is swung over by Luis Nani.

34:39

Luis Nani decides to take a short corner.

34:14

Wayne Rooney takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.

33:54

Patrice Evra takes a shot. Blocked by Roger Johnson.

33:24

Luis Nani crosses the ball, Nenad Milijas makes a clearance.

32:44

Unfair challenge on Luis Nani by Ronald Zubar results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Luis Nani.

30:58 Substitution

Substitution (Wolverhampton) makes a substitution, with Nenad Milijas coming on for David Edwards.

30:00

Danny Welbeck is caught offside. Wayne Hennessey takes the free kick.

29:28

Matthew Jarvis crosses the ball, Rio Ferdinand makes a clearance.

28:37

Matthew Jarvis delivers the ball, Rio Ferdinand manages to make a clearance.

26:38

Assist on the goal came from Luis Nani.

26:38 Goal scored

Goal - Wayne Rooney - Man Utd 2 - 0 Wolves Wayne Rooney scores a goal from the edge of the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Man Utd 2-0 Wolverhampton.

26:13

The ball is sent over by Chris Smalling, blocked by Christophe Berra.

25:46

The ball is sent over by Antonio Valencia, clearance made by Jamie O'Hara.

25:23

Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Luis Nani.

25:14

Centre by Danny Welbeck, clearance by Karl Henry.

23:38

Effort from 25 yards by Wayne Rooney. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.

23:14

The ball is delivered by Matthew Jarvis, save made by David De Gea.

22:46

The ball is sent over by Luis Nani, Wayne Hennessey makes a save.

21:09

Luis Nani produces a cross.

20:46

The referee blows for offside against Kevin Doyle. Direct free kick taken by David De Gea.

16:50 Goal scored

Goal - Luis Nani - Man Utd 1 - 0 Wolves A goal is scored by Luis Nani from just outside the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Man Utd 1-0 Wolverhampton.

19:49

The ball is crossed by Stephen Ward, blocked by Chris Smalling.

18:59

Stephen Ward fouled by Antonio Valencia, the ref awards a free kick. Wayne Hennessey takes the indirect free kick.

18:36

Kevin Doyle is ruled offside. David De Gea takes the free kick.

16:50

The assist for the goal came from Antonio Valencia.

16:50 Goal scored

Goal - Luis Nani - Man Utd 1 - 0 Wolves Luis Nani grabs a goal from just outside the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Man Utd 1-0 Wolverhampton.

16:23

Short corner worked by Luis Nani.

15:59

Wayne Rooney takes a shot. Save by Wayne Hennessey.

15:04

Ronald Zubar challenges Luis Nani unfairly and gives away a free kick. Patrice Evra takes the indirect free kick.

14:27

Michael Carrick gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Matthew Jarvis. Stephen Ward takes the free kick.

14:08

Outswinging corner taken by Luis Nani from the right by-line played to the near post, clearance made by Kevin Doyle.

13:09

Antonio Valencia sends in a cross, Stephen Ward makes a clearance.

11:49

Unfair challenge on Patrice Evra by David Edwards results in a free kick. Indirect free kick taken by David De Gea.

10:51

Jonathan Evans concedes a free kick for a foul on Kevin Doyle. Jamie O'Hara delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from right channel, save by David De Gea.

10:03

Shot by Wayne Rooney. Save made by Wayne Hennessey.

9:08

Chris Smalling gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Kevin Doyle. Indirect free kick taken by Jamie O'Hara.

7:47

Antonio Valencia is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Free kick taken by Wayne Hennessey.

6:53

The ball is sent over by Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick produces a header from inside the area that goes over the bar.

5:15

Lobbed right-footed shot by Wayne Rooney. Blocked by Roger Johnson.

4:01

Stephen Ward produces a cross, clearance made by Rio Ferdinand.

3:51

Stephen Ward crosses the ball.

3:25

The referee penalises Luis Nani for handball. Ronald Zubar restarts play with the free kick.

3:17

The ball is sent over by Phil Jones.

2:53

Luis Nani delivers the ball.

2:26

The ball is delivered by Chris Smalling, clearance made by Christophe Berra.

1:00

Karl Henry fouled by Luis Nani, the ref awards a free kick. Indirect free kick taken by Roger Johnson.

0:20

Shot from just outside the box by Steven Fletcher misses to the left of the target.

0:00

The referee starts the match.

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