Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney said his wonder overhead strike that secured a 2-1 derby win over Manchester City was the best of his career.

Nani supplied the cross for Rooney, who connected with a right-foot volley that flew into the top corner from 15 yards.

"As soon as I hit it, I knew it was in and it's definitely the best goal I've scored," Rooney told BBC Sport.

"It was a special feeling. The fans deserve that from me because I've not had the best of seasons."

United had taken the lead through Nani's first-half goal, but City looked to have earned a point when David Silva unwittingly deflected Edin Dzeko's shot beyond Edwin van der Sar.

PHIL McNULTY'S BLOG For Rooney, it was the moment he once again felt the unconditional love of Old Trafford after the relationship was strained in the aftermath of his ham-fisted declarations of discontent earlier this season

However, Rooney's late strike sent United seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, and eight points ahead of City.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was gushing in his praise for Rooney's goal, calling it the best he has seen at Old Trafford.

"It was stunning," he said. "Unbelievable.

"We've had some fantastic goals here but in terms of execution, you'll never see that."

However, Ferguson was also pleased with Nani's opener.

"That was a great goal," the Scot stated. "It was a great pass from Ryan [Giggs], good control and finish, but it will be completely forgotten. All the talk will be about that winning goal."

City manager Roberto Mancini also conceded that Rooney's strike had been one to savour.

"Wayne Rooney can change every game because he is a fantastic player," the Italian said.

"After 1-1 I thought we had a chance to win but it was a fantastic goal that Rooney scored and it changed this game.

"The goal that decided this derby we did not deserve [to concede]. We did not deserve to lose.

"We played very well and I'm not worried about the result because this is football. It is important we play a good game.

"We were unlucky but you can see a positive future and it is important we continue to play like this."

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