Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney added to his collection of wonder goals at Old Trafford with a stunning strike in a 3-1 win against Aston Villa that lifted his side above Manchester City into third place in the Premier League . United were leading 1-0 after 79 minutes when Rooney spun brilliantly before hammering a half-volley with his right-foot past Brad Guzan . It was his sixth goal in eight matches for United since being restored up front by manager Louis van Gaal after a spell in midfield . Wayne Rooney ( centre ) scored a stunning half-volley as Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-1 . United 's No 10 celebrates his stunning effort at Old Trafford with fellow goalscorer Herrera ( right ) Admiring team-mate Ander Herrera , who scored the other two goals in United 's victory , said : 'Wayne Rooney is our leader . He is maybe the strongest guy – not only physically , but also mentally . I think we in the squad are following him always . 'He is our captain , our leader and our character . I think he shows very , very well what Manchester United is . ' United are now eight points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool who lost 4-1 at Arsenal and are odds-on to qualify for the Champions League after missing out last season . They play City at Old Trafford next Sunday . Herrera scored goals either side of Rooney as Manchester United ran out winners at Old Trafford . Rooney ( centre ) celebrates his goal with team-mates Radamel Falcao ( left ) and Herrera .
Ander Herrera nets either side of Wayne Rooney in Manchester United win . Red Devils beat Aston Villa 3-1 in the Premier League on next Sunday . Midfielder Herrera full of praise for captain and striker Rooney .