Manchester City 0 Manchester Utd 2

Wayne Rooney won the hearts of Manchester United fans yesterday when he inspired victory over their bitter rivals to keep the title race alive.

On the eve of Valentine's Day, Rooney's love of goal-scoring ensured Chelsea's champagne remains unopened for at least another few weeks.

Sir Alex Ferguson, however, was not in a giving mood and branded the Premiership leaders "lucky" and warned that United are not yet ready to give up on the crown.

United closed the gap on Chelsea to nine points as Fergie turned up the heat on Jose Mourinho's side by accusing them of getting all the breaks.

"Chelsea aren't playing as well as they have been and they've been lucky recently," said Fergie. "There's no doubt they're getting all the breaks at the moment and we're not.

"But all we can do is keep on winning and hope Chelsea slip up. I'm still hopeful that can happen. And it can happen out of nothing. They might lose a game at home that no one expects them to lose, and then things could change."

Fergie even claimed Chelsea were lucky James Beattie was sent off in the eighth minute in their 1-0 win at Everton.

"I couldn't believe that sending-off at all," Fergie added. "That was a real kick in the teeth for us. There's no doubt we're in championship form, we've just got to keep it going."

Rooney scored his sixth goal in eight United games and had a hand in United's second as Richard Dunne turned the England striker's cross into his own net.

United's £30million record signing was booked for a lunge on Dunne and was barracked by City fans, but Rooney insisted he has his temper under control.

Rooney said: "There's nothing wrong my discipline.

"I've had four yellow cards this season and I had 11 last season. It's not a problem.

"With Chelsea winning, this was a big game for us. We've just got to keep winning and hope Chelsea slip up."

City boss Kevin Keegan claimed the title race was far from over, but tipped Chelsea to hold on.

"I don't think the title race is over, because Chelsea still have to play United and Arsenal," said Keegan.

"But Chelsea are in a tremendous position and so it's hard to see anyone catching them."