Rooney sinks City despite Ronaldo red card

Manchester United earned a 1-0 win over bitter rivals Manchester City at Eastlands on Sunday despite Cristiano Ronaldo's bizarre sending-off.

Wayne Rooney's 100th career club goal – his first for five weeks – put United ahead just before half-time in the 150th Manchester derby.

But Sir Alex Ferguson's team, beaten twice by City last season, were reduced to 10 men in the 68th minute when Ronaldo was dismissed by referee Howard Webb for a second booking after the Portugal winger handled a United corner.

Ronaldo appeared to claim that Webb had already whistled for a foul before his handball and was clearly furious as he trudged down the tunnel.

United, who had gone in front when Rooney tapped-in after Joe Hart parried Michael Carrick's 42nd minute shot, held on to move within five points of leaders Chelsea, who face Arsenal later Sunday.