Star forward Wayne Rooney scored a hat trick Saturday and ended a 10-match goal drought to lead Manchester United to a 4-0 win at Bolton in English Premier league soccer action.

Rooney's goals were his first since scoring twice in United's season-opening 5-1 victory over Fulham on Aug. 20.

"There has been a lot of talk by a lot of people over the last few weeks saying I couldn't do it any more, stuff like that, so the feeling when the first goal went in was brilliant," Rooney said.

"To finish the hat trick was nice. I am delighted and happy just to be back among the goals again and to have secured the three points in what was a big game for us."

Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo scored the other goal for United, who by virtue of their victory maintained their spot atop the standings with 25 points.

Two-time defending champion Chelsea also has 25 points, but United is in first because of a better goal difference ratio.

Bolton is third with 20 points, followed by Portsmouth (19) and Arsenal (18).

"Chelsea have laid down a marker, but we want to challenge them," United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said. "There is a growing confidence within the club, we are looking very strong and we will have a good go."

Chelsea defeated Sheffield United 2-0 Saturday on goals by Frank Lampard and German midfielder Michael Ballack.

Against Bolton, Rooney opened the scoring in the 10th minute on a cross by Michael Carrick. He scored six minutes later when he curled a shot past Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

'Magnificent goals'

Ronaldo netted United's third goal before Rooney completed his hat trick in the 89th minute.

"Apart from the third goal, there was very little we could do to stop him," Bolton manager Sam Allardyce said. "The first two were magnificent goals made of outstanding quality."

Rooney's first career hat trick came two years ago in his Champions League debut against Turkish club Fenerbahce.

with files from Associated Press