Man City 2-3 Man Utd: Sir Alex Ferguson Heralds "Special Win"

Sir Alex Ferguson has toasted his side's dramatic 3-2 win over title rivals Manchester City as "a special one". Wayne Rooney struck twice before half time to put United into a commanding lead, before City responded with two goals of their own in the second half through Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta. With the game in its dying embers, Robin van Persie then stepped up to strike a deflected freekick past City keeper Joe Hart to end the Champions undefeated defense of their crown. City hadn't lost at the Etihad for two years, and beat United home and away last season on their way to the title. "It was such a good game - a special one," said Ferguson after taking charge of his 31st Premier League derby.

"It was engrossing. It tells you about the quality of the Premier League, it's such a great league."

Sir Alex Ferguson has now won 18 of his 31 Manchester Derby's, losing only seven and drawing 6. He has a win-loss ratio of %58.06, and was full of praise for the two men who helped him achieve another win over his old foes.

"It was great to see Wayne score two goals and knowing him he'll go on a run now. His were two good finishes. And Van Persie's whole game was absolutely terrific today. The whole game he had them on the back foot."

In spite of United extending their lead over City to six points, the veteran manager was keen to stress that his sides point advantage was not decisive at this point in the campaign, after seeing his side throw away a similarly large lead toward the end of last season.

"City are fresh and out of European football. We have to contend with Europe, the FA Cup and the league. There's still a long way to go."