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 Saturday .
Midfielder Herrera full of praise for captain and striker Rooney .