Manchester United Keep Their Nerve in Derby Battle

Wayne Rooney's 100th club career goal was enough for Manchester United as they overcame a disappointing Manchester City 1-0 at Eastlands.

The England striker was on hand to slot into an empty net after Joe Hart had parried Michael Carrick's fierce shot.

Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for a second bookable offence with 20 minutes remaining, but City were unable to press home the numerical advantage.

Rooney could have doubled his tally in stoppage time, but only for Hart to tip the ball wide after the keeper was left stranded following a City corner.

The win keeps United firmly in the title race along with Chelsea and Liverpool, while City will be left feeling dejected as they failed to do themselves justice over the 90 minutes.

Mark Hughes made just one change from mid-week, as Daniel Sturridge dropped out for Brazilian Robinho.

United were boosted by the return of Dimitar Berbatov, and were the dominant force for most of the first half as City struggled to come to terms with the Bulgarian's movement.

Ronaldo forced the Champions' best effort as he headed over from six yards as City battled against a resilient United back-line.

United's breakthrough came five minutes before half-time, as confusion in the City box allowed the ball to break to Carrick, whose shot across Hart was only parried allowing Rooney to tap into an open goal.

It was Rooney's third goal against City in the Derby matches, and his relief at finally claiming his 100th league goal was clear to see.

City came into the second half with renewed vigor, but still couldn't muster any clear cut chances as Benjani looked increasingly isolated up front.

The possible turning point of the match came on the hour as Ronaldo was pulled up for a foul. He was booked, but as he retreated, he applauded referee Howard Webb's decision in a sarcastic manner.

The Portugese winger was lucky not to be dimissed, but recieved his marching orders no sooner than 10 minutes later, as he foolishly handled direct from a corner.

City saw their chance and bought on Sturridge to boost their attacking power.

The best effort, however, came in the dying minutes, as Richard Dunne saw his effort scrambled off the line by Patrice Evra.

City's ambition to draw level almost saw them concede another as, with Hart caught out of his area, Rooney attempted a lob from fully 50 yards, only to see Hart recover and tip the ball wide of the post.

At the final whistle, City were consigned to defeat and left to think that their surge on the top four had better wait at least one more year.

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