England striker helps fire United to victory in Manchester derby

England striker Wayne Rooney was at the double to help Manchester United record a thrilling 3-2 win at Manchester City and open up a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Rooney scored twice inside the first half-hour to stun the Etihad Stadium, only for Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta to draw City level in the second period.

But with the final whistle looming, Dutchman Robin van Persie guided a free-kick beyond England goalkeeper Joe Hart to snatch a dramatic win for the visitors.

Rooney, who has found the back of the net four times in his last two league games, hailed a “great day” for his side.

He said: "It is a fantastic feeling, it is a great day for us and we are now six points clear. We have waited a long time for this and we know how much it means for the fans.

"It is great to score here, but I am scoring for United and enjoying it. They have had a great home record and to stop it is a great feeling.

"It was crazy. It has been like that all season for us, and we were hanging on at the end."

The 27-year-old lined-up alongside fellow England internationals Michael Carrick, Ashley Young and Tom Cleverley, before being joined by Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck in the second period.

Liverpool were also aided by Three Lions stars as they came from behind to win 3-2 at West Ham United.

Right-back Glen Johnson, an England Player Of The Year candidate, stunned Upton Park after 11 minutes when he rifled a superb long-range drive beyond Jussi Jaaskelainen.

A Mark Noble penalty and an unfortunate own goal from England captain Steven Gerrard ensured West Ham had the lead at the break.

But Joe Cole netted with 14 minutes remaining after latching onto a superb through-ball from England youngster Raheem Sterling, before James Collins, who was under pressure from Jonjo Shelvey, diverted Under-21 captain Jordan Henderson’s cross into his own net to hand Liverpool all three points.

There was heartbreak for Kyle Walker, Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe at Goodison Park as Everton struck twice in stoppage to earn a 2-1 win against Tottenham.

Spurs went in front through USA forward Clint Dempsey, but Steven Pienaar and Nikica Jelavic both netted after the 90th minute to send Goodison Park into raptures.

Everton boss David Moyes handed starts to England internationals Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka and Leon Osman.

Remember, you can vote for both Glen Johnson, Joe Hart, Danny Welbeck and Steven Gerrard in the official England Player Of The Year Award. Click here to register your vote now.