The Associated Press

Wayne Rooney scored and then was ejected from a Premier League game for the first time in 5½ years as Manchester United defeated West Ham 2-1 Saturday.

Rooney put the hosts in front with a deft volley in the fifth minute, and Robin van Persie doubled the lead in the 22nd minute with his 50th goal for United. Diafra Sakho scored on a header for the Hammers in the 37th.

Rooney was ejected by referee Lee Mason in the 59th minute for kicking Stewart Downing in the groin, which would result in a three-game suspension if the ejection is deemed to be violent conduct by the English Football Association. That would cause the United captain to miss games against Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea.

Rooney had not been ejected from a Premier League match since receiving two yellow cards against Fulham on March 21, 2009.

United won for the second time in seven matches under manager Louis van Gaal.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.