Rooney’s Magnificent Goal Lifts United Over City, 2-1

Living up to the hype of a rivalry game, the Manchester United - Manchester City match received a moment that will be relived for decades to come.

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney scored the goal of a lifetime against crosstown rivals City with an unforgettable right-footed overhead volley past goalkeeper Joe Hart to lead the Red Devils over the Citizens, 2-1.

The bicycle kick in the 78th minute, off the assist from winger Nani, was the game winner, and created a rush of adrenaline all over Old Trafford, and crushed the spirits of City fans.

How fantastic was the goal? Well, let's say Rooney himself was impressed by it.

That is my best goal. It was such an important game and to score the winning goal in that way was a great feeling - indescribable, he said.

It was a special feeling, Rooney told BBC Sport. The fans deserve that from me because I've not had the best of seasons.

It's certainly possible that Rooney's play, which has steadily improved in recent weeks, will be inspired by this recent shot. For forwards, confidence is an important ingredient to bolster their talents, and his winning goal will no doubt boost his swagger.

As for the game, it was a major improvement over the scoreless contest between the two clubs when they faced each other in November at City of Manchester Stadium.

Nemanja Vidic helped lead United with a plethora of headers and tackles to thwart the City attack, Roberto Mancini's squad appeared to lack the intensity that was also lacking the first time the two clubs met this season.

Nani, who played for Portugal in Geneva earlier in the week in a friendly against Argentina, scored for United in the 41st minute. The winger, who will be more remember in the match for his assist to Rooney than his goal, received a beautiful first-time volley from Ryan Giggs, and Nani was able to beat defender Pablo Zabaleta in the box and slot the ball on the right side by Hart.

City got its lone goal when Edin Dzeko's stretching shot ricocheted off of teammate David Silva's back and into the net to equalize in the 65th minute.

But the night belonged to Rooney, whose spectacular goal will have people all over Manchester, some beaming with joy and others hunched in despair, talking about the magical moment for years to come.