It's Roo Easy For United.

ALEX FERGUSON admitted he will enjoy his 68th birthday today after Wayne Rooney inspired a five-goal knees-up.

Manchester United moved within two points and two goals of Chelsea and boss Fergie said: "I'll enjoy my birthday, don't worry about that.

"It was an excellent performance and I'm very, very pleased.

"I think the first 45 minutes were the best we have seen this season, the fluid movement and tempo of the game were terrific."

Rooney opened the scoring with his 15th goal of the season - his seventh in as many games - as United hammered neighbours Wigan 5-0 for the second time this season.

And the England strike star, 24, vowed to beat his Old Trafford best of 23.

Ferguson added: "Rooney was excellent again tonight, the energy he shows in his game and the desire to win. But on this particular night the whole team played well.

"You never know, goal difference could be important come the end of the season."

Rooney said: "We went into the game knowing we were seven goals behind Chelsea and we wanted to close the gap.

"Could I beat 23? I hope so. If I don't get nine goals between now and the end of the season, something is seriously wrong."

Roberto Martinez, whose Latics were beaten 9-1 at Spurs last month, must have feared a repeat.

He said: "We made it too easy. We never played like a team and were too naive."

United, meanwhile, must battle it out with Milan and Juventus if they want to sign Serb midfield star Gojko Kacar, 22, from Hertha Berlin.