Rooney dedicates goal to fans

London - 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 Sir 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.

"I don't think they were that unlucky. They played OK. They moved the ball well at times. But they didn't hurt us. They didn't penetrate us.

"Other than the David Silva chance in the first half, they didn't really have a clear chance. We had two or three. Based on that, we deserved to win."

Arsenal's win over Wolves on Saturday moved them back within four points of United, who still have to play at the Emirates Stadium later this season.

But Rooney is confident United's greater experience of title-winning campaigns will prove crucial in the run-in.

"We are the team to catch. We know how it feels to be top of the league and to get over that finish line," he added.

"We have the experience with the manager and the players and we know what we have to do.

"Hopefully within the next six or seven games, we can maintain that gap, or make it bigger."