MANCHESTER, England (AP)

Manchester United moved closer to a third straight English Premier League title by beating Portsmouth 2-0 to go three points ahead of Liverpool at the top with a game in hand yesterday.

The threat from Chelsea lessened as Guus Hiddink's side was held to 0-0 by Everton in the other league fixture, to slip six points adrift, having played a game more than United.

fired low

Wayne Rooney scored after nine minutes and Michael Carrick fired low past Portsmouth goalkeeper David James in the 82nd to ensure United would take advantage of Liverpool's 4-4 draw with Arsenal on Tuesday.

With six games remaining, United top the standings with 74 points, followed by Liverpool (71) and Chelsea (68).

"We must be realistic, maybe mathematically there is still a chance but you can't waste points," Hiddink said. "We have to focus now on only two roads, the Champions League and Everton again (in the FA Cup final)."

Alex Ferguson made nine changes from the inexperienced United side that lost Sunday's FA Cup semi-final to Everton on penalties.

The returning Rooney was operating as the lone striker and tapped into the net after Ryan Giggs, in his 799th appearance for United, latched on to Anderson's lofted ball and went past Glen Johnson before squaring to the unmarked England international.

The Red Devils were firmly in control but were frustrated by James in the Pompey goal.

United took until the 82nd minute to score again, with substitute Carrick firing into the far corner after running on to Paul Scholes' precise throughball from the halfway line. The 34-year-old Scholes was making his 600th appearance for United, where he has spent his entire career.

costly victory

United's victory came at a cost, losing right backs Gary Neville and John O'Shea to foot injuries in each half. Both look set to miss league matches and at least the first leg of the Champions League semi-final with Arsenal next Wednesday.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea lacked inspiration and took until injury time to produce its best chance when Didier Drogba hit the crossbar.

Everton failed to capitalise on a string of first-half chances, notably from forward Jo, loaned from Manchester City in January.

The Brazilian saw a third-minute shot fly straight at Petr Cech and then the goalkeeper used his feet to stop the ball as Jo ran clear on goal.