A first-half brace from Wayne Rooney has secured three points for Manchester United against West Ham United at Upton Park in the Premier League.

Wayne Rooney of Manchester United is congratulated by teammate Marouane Fellaini of Manchester United after scoring the opening goal against West Ham United on March 22, 2014 © Getty Images

The first chance of the contest fell to the visiting side as Shinji Kagawa played in Juan Mata on the break, but the Spaniard failed to trouble Adrian after cutting inside and shooting from a tight angle.

David Moyes's side did find the breakthrough just a minute later, however, as Rooney struck a sensational half-volley from just inside the opposition half to beat Adrian.

Mata came close to doubling the Red Devils' advantage with 30 minutes played, taking a touch before striking a powerful effort towards goal which Adrian did well to push aside.

The second did soon follow, though, as Rooney again found the back of the net, this time in more fortuitous circumstances.

Ashley Young changed down the right wing and put a cross into the box that was initially cut out by Mark Noble, but the clearance only went as far as the England striker, who made no mistake in making it 2-0.

Wayne Rooney of Manchester United scores the opening goal with a long range shot during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at Boleyn Ground on March 22, 2014 © Getty Images

Marouane Fellaini met Young's deep cross at the back post and headed over just after the hour mark in a second half devoid of any real opportunities for either side.

Shortly after, Danny Welbeck led a United counter-attack before picking out Kagawa, who in turn crossed for Javier Hernandez.

However, the Japanese midfielder put too much on his pass and the chance went begging to leave the scoreline at 2-0.