My best goal ever: Rooney

LONDON – Wayne Rooney said it was the best goal he’s ever scored, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson called it the greatest strike he’s seen in 25 years at Old Trafford and England goalkeeper Joe Hart didn’t even move.

Rooney put a troubled season behind him on Saturday as his spectacular bicycle kick won the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.With his back to goal, the United and England striker Rooney jumped and met a right-wing cross after 77 minutes with a perfectly-timed overhead strike that flew into the top corner, giving Premier League leader Manchester United a 2-1 win over rival Manchester City.’I saw it coming over and I thought why not? Nine times out of 10 they go into the stand,’ Rooney told Sky Sports.Such was the power and accuracy of the shot that City ‘keeper Hart stood motionless.Even golfers Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy, currently playing in Dubai, couldn’t help but comment. McIlroy simply tweeted; ‘BOOM!!!!!!!!’Ferguson said the quality of the strike reminded him of United great Denis Law, who scored 171 goals in a glittering career at the club.’It was stunning,’ Ferguson said. ‘We’ve had some fantastic goals here but in terms of execution … you’ll never see that.’Nani had given United a first-half lead with a neat control and finish, before City equalized with a deflected effort in the 64th.Rooney’s winner severely dented City’s title hopes, but manager Roberto Mancini accepted his side had been beaten by a ‘moment of genius’.’When a fantastic player like Rooney scores a goal like that, you should clap,’ the Italian said. ‘He scored a fantastic goal.’The goal was all the more surprising given Rooney’s indifferent season so far. Coming off a disappointing World Cup in June, the England striker had scored only four league goals until Saturday.In October, the 25-year-old former Everton player threatened to leave Manchester United because he was not given the assurances he wanted about the club’s future.Two days later, he changed his mind and signed a new five-year contract, with reports suggesting it could be worth up to 250 000 pounds (US$400 000) a week.- Nampa-AP

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