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Photos: Van Persie scores winner on Manchester derby debut

Last updated on: December 9, 2012 23:06 IST
Robin van Persie of Manchester United celebrates scoring the winning goal

Robin van Persie hailed his late winner as a special way to win the Manchester derby.

Persie's stoppage-time free kick snatched a 3-2 victory for Manchester United in a pulsating derby at champions Manchester City to send them six points clear at the top of the Premier League on Sunday.

'We had a really good start'

Last updated on: December 9, 2012 23:06 IST
Manchester United's Van Persie shoots and scores from free kick

'We had a really good start, because of Wayne two really good, clinical finishes,' Van Persie said on Sky Sports 1.

'It's a really special way to end this game'

Last updated on: December 9, 2012 23:06 IST
Manchester United's Danny Welbeck (left) and Patrice Evra celebrates

"We were in control, but City always come back."

"It's a really special way to end this game, with the three points in a really dramatic way."

'I had no doubt he could score from there'

Last updated on: December 9, 2012 23:06 IST
Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates scoring the opening goal

Rooney praised his team-mate, saying: "We work on that on the training ground and I had no doubt he could score from there."

United six points clear of City

Last updated on: December 9, 2012 23:06 IST
Carlos Tevez of Manchester City and team-mate Gareth Barry look dejected

The win moved United six points clear of City at the top of the table and ended the hosts' long unbeaten home record.

'We're going to celebrate'

Last updated on: December 9, 2012 23:06 IST
Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta (top) challenges Manchester United's Tom Cleverley

'To go six points clear, to beat our closest rivals, we're delighted. We're going to celebrate.'

Match ended amid unsavoury scenes

Last updated on: December 9, 2012 23:06 IST
Joe Hart of Manchester City confronts a pitch invader

The match ended amid unsavoury scenes with Rio Ferdinand appearing to be hit by a missile thrown from the crowd and suffering a cut to his face.

'I don't think you need that'

Last updated on: December 9, 2012 23:06 IST
Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand (left) is helped from the pitch by teammate Robin van Persie

On the Ferdinand incident, he said: 'It's unfortunate toward the end that the City fan runs on and throws coins at our players. I don't think you need that."

Result ends City's almost two-year unbeaten home run

Last updated on: December 9, 2012 23:06 IST
Wayne Rooney of Manchester United scores the second goal

The result ends City's almost two-year unbeaten home run in the league and puts United in the driving seat in the title race with 39 points from 16 matches, while City are on 33.

Tom Cruise brought a touch of Hollywood

Last updated on: December 9, 2012 23:06 IST
US actors Robert Duvall (left) and Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise and fellow actor Robert Duvall brought a touch of Hollywood stardust to the Manchester derby as the Mission Impossible actor watched the Premier League showdown.

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