Avram in trouble as West Ham yet to pick up a point in league

Rooney opens season account as United cruise to 3-0 victory

Goals from Wayne Rooney, Nani and Dimitar Berbatov helped Manchester United to a comfortable 3-0 victory, leaving West Ham rooted to the foot of the Premier League table with no points from their opening three games.

Rooney, much scrutinised since his poor showing during the summer’s World Cup, put United ahead from the penalty spot before setting up Nani for United’s second, ending any talk of a so-called confidence crisis.

13 games without a goal brings to an end the longest barren spell of his career and United will hope Rooney can replicate the form that led to him finding the net 34 times last season.

The win leaves United two points behind Chelsea at this early stage of the season and they can expect a tough battle with the Blues if they are to regain the Premier League trophy, of which they are a 9/4 shot.

West Ham welcome Chelsea to Upton Park next weekend and there is a distinct possibility they could be four games into the new season without a single point.

Avram Grant will need to be highly active before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday if he is to offer Carlton Cole any support in his search for goals to help the Hammers avoid relegation, they are currently 2/1 to go down.

Cole was largely a peripheral figure at Old Trafford and will hope his manager can strengthen the attacking options as he bids for a England starting spot alongside Rooney.

England open their European Championship Qualifying with a home game against Bulgaria on Friday and are 2/7 to win their group. Follow the latest European Championship Qualifying betting market here.