Rooney dedicates derby gem to United fans

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has dedicated his sensational winner against Manchester City to his club’s fans.

Rooney knows some United supporters have become disillusioned with the England international since he handed in a transfer request following a row over the club’s perceived lack of ambition.

The 25-year-old eventually withdrew his demand to leave and signed a new contract but the scars from that bust-up and Rooney’s poor form this season have soured his relationship with the Old Trafford faithful.

He chose the perfect way to win back a place in their hearts as his spectacular overhead kick in the 78th minute of Saturday’s derby clinched a crucial 2-1 win over United’s hated local rivals.

Rooney’s goal was rated by United manager Alex Ferguson as the best he had ever seen at Old Trafford, surpassing even the best efforts of Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Eric Cantona and George Best.

And Rooney was happy to use his moment of magic as an ideal opportunity to praise the fans.

“The Manchester United fans deserve that from me,” he said.

“I haven’t had the best of seasons and I know how big this game is in Manchester, so I hope they enjoyed that. Now the aim is to keep scoring and help us get that title back.”

Rooney’s goal also put a huge dent in City’s hopes of challenging for the title.

Roberto Mancini’s side are now eight points behind United, having played a game more than the leaders and Rooney doesn’t expect City to recover that deficit.

“It almost certainly rules City out of the title race unless a disaster happens,” he said.