Half-Time Report: Wayne Rooney brace gives Manchester United lead

A first-half brace from Wayne Rooney has given Manchester United the upper hand against Manchester City at half-time in the Manchester derby.

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City started brightly, dominating the possession and having the better of the early chances.

Mario Balotelli took charge of an early free kick for the Premier League champions, David de Gea parrying the effort wide.

David Silva set up the Italian again minutes later, but his volley went well high.

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The visitors' lead came in the 16th minute through a scuffed Rooney shot which wrongfooted City keeper Joe Hart and slowly rolled into the net.

There was more bad news for the home side five minutes later, when captain Vincent Kompany was forced off with an injury, Kolo Toure taking his place.

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Roberto Mancini's men had chances to equalise, Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure with opportunities for the blue half of Manchester.

The champions were made to pay for their misses just before the half-hour mark when Rooney slotted home his 150th Premier League goal.

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City will need to take full advantage of their chances in the second half if they are to overturn United's 2-0 lead.

Follow continuing live coverage of the derby right here on Sports Mole.