Manchester United's Wayne Rooney scores against Manchester City from an overhead kick during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, February 12, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - Wayne Rooney's spectacular overhead goal assured Manchester United to sink Manchester City 2-1 at Old Traford on Saturday and pushed the Premier League leaders ahead after last week's defeat by the Wolves.

Rooney, 25, could hardly found any chance since the start as City defender Vincent Kompany shackled him suffocatingly.

It was until the 78th minute that Rooney grabbed his moment, finishing Luis Nani's cross with an overhead kick into the top corner.

Rooney opened his arms and raised his head with his eyes closed after the fantastic volley, enjoying the hails from the exciting audience. The England striker believed that was the best goal he had ever scored in his career.

Although City looked more aggressive with David Silva and Carlos Tevez challenging United's defence from time to time, it's United broke the deadlock thanks to Nani's effort.

The Poturguese winger sent Ryan Giggs's pass into net in the 41st minute after testing City goalkeeper Joe Hart with unexpected long shots but in vain.

The hosts played more comfortably after the lead but City managed to pull one back with Silva's lucky goal in the 65th minute. Substitute Edin Dzeko's shot was deflected home through the Spaniard's back.

United boss Alex Ferguson sent forward Dimitar Berbatov on the pitch right after City's leveller and asked veteran Mike Owen to warm up in the closing stage.

When Rooney put United ahead again, Owen went back to sit on the bench.

Wolves became the first team to beat Man United in the Premier League this season with a 2-1 home win last week. But they failed to make any threat while playing Arsenal at Emirates, sinking to the bottom of the rankings with a 2-0 loss.

Dutch striker Robin van Persie completed both goals for the hosts and the Gunners kept in the second place with four points behind Man United.

Tottenham Spur came back from 1-0 down to edge Sunderland 2-1. This victory enabled the north Londoner to leapfrog Chelsea and to move up to fourth in the Premier League table.

The defending champions Chelsea will visit Fulham on Monday.

In the other matches on Saturday, Birmingham saw off Stoke City 1-0. Blackburn and Newcastle played out a goalless draw. Liverpool hosted Wigan for a 1-1 draw and Blackpool ended a run of five straight Premier League defeats with a 1-1 draw to Aston Villa. West Ham fought back from three goals behind to earn a point at West Bromwich.