Wayne Rooney’s spectacular overhead kick was decisive as Manchester United won the most important Manchester derby, in terms of the EPL title, in many years.

It was a goal worthy of winning such a big game…and more. Nani’s cross from the right drifted behind Rooney as he waited by the penalty spot. But he adjusted his position to rifle the perfect scissors kick past a stationary Joe Hart in the City goal.

Rooney’s goal apart, there was little to choose between the two title contenders in an entertaining game.

Manchester City looked the better of the sides in the opening half but David Silva missed their best chance, firing inches wide after a slick three-man move in the fourth minute.

And Nani fashioned a couple of long-range efforts for United before giving them a 41^st-minute lead, firing left-footed past Hart after latching onto a sublime Ryan Giggs through-ball.

On 65 minutes, City drew level with a goal as bizarre as Rooney’s was brilliant.

Edin Dzeko fired Shaun Wright-Phillips’ right-sided cross towards goal. But United keeper Edwin Van der Sar was only beaten when the shot deflected off Silva’s back.

But they were only level for 13 minutes before Rooney wondrously intervened.