Soccer: Resolute United stay in title hunt

Wayne Rooney

MANCHESTER - Wayne Rooney was Manchester United's inspiration as they won 2-0 at local rivals Manchester City yesterday to keep alive their faint title hopes.

The 19-year-old England striker scored the first goal with a shot that flew in off City defender Richard Dunne after 68 minutes, and then provided a cross that the luckless Dunne miscued into his own net seven minutes later to settle the match.

United's win meant they cut the advantage of runaway leaders Chelsea to nine points with 11 games left. Chelsea won 1-0 at fourth-placed Everton at the weekend to remain on course for their first English title in 50 years.

United, who face Chelsea at Old Trafford in April, have won seven of their last eight league games and manager Sir Alex Ferguson refuses to give up hope of winning the title.

"It has happened before," he said. "Chelsea are not playing well but they're getting results and that's all that matters.

"We're not doing much wrong. It's just that they are getting the breaks."

Jose Mourinho's team have 68 points, United have 59 and third-placed champions Arsenal, who host Crystal Palace overnight, have 54 from a game less.

Mid-table City are the only team to beat Chelsea in the league this season.

Kevin Keegan's side squandered the clearest chance of the opening 45 minutes when former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman side-footed wide from close range after some dazzling wing play by England international Shaun Wright-Phillips. Congolese midfielder Kiki Musampa also brought a fine early save out of United keeper Roy Carroll with a rasping half-volley.

United had most of the possession but rarely tested City keeper David James. Rooney warmed the England keeper's fingers with a free kick and Paul Scholes sent a free header over the bar in the visitors' best moments.

The match looked to be meandering towards a stalemate until midway through the second half when Roy Keane fed Gary Neville and the England fullback's cross was met by Rooney, the ball flying in via Dunne.

Seven minutes later, Rooney delivered from the right and the otherwise excellent Dunne's attempted clearance sliced past James and into the far corner of the net.

Ryan Giggs, whose introduction as a late substitute in black tights was greeted with wolf-whistles round the ground, almost made it 3-0 but his shot cannoned off the post in stoppage time.

"It was a good performance out there. We dug in," said Rooney.

"It was a tough game but we knew we'd get chances in the second half and we had to take them, which we did.

"We've got to keep winning our games and hopefully Chelsea will slip up."

- REUTERS