Paul Scholes celebrated his first Premiership start in two months with two trademark headed goals as Manchester United overpowered Manchester City 3-1 in an entertaining derby at Old Trafford.

United had a point to prove after taking just one point from last season's two meetings with their local rivals.

And they quickly established a stranglehold on this encounter with Scholes heading them ahead in the 7th minute and Ruud van Nistelrooy doubling the lead with another header 11 minutes before the break.

Shaun Wright-Phillips briefly gave City hope of salvaging something from the match with a solo run and shot seven minutes after the restart.

But the visitors were finally killed off 17 minutes from the end when Scholes ghosted his way to the edge of the six-yard box to meet Kleberson's dipping cross from the right with an unstoppable header.

It was a particularly cruel blow for City goalkeeper David Seaman, who seconds earlier had produced a superb reflex save to touch van Nistelrooy's shot on to the post.

Scholes afterwards admitted United had not been at their best but voiced his satisfaction at having restored the red half of Manchester's bragging rights.

"It's nice to score two, especially in a derby. The win was enough but we didn't play too great. It was disappointing to lose four points to City last season so this was good."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to the England midfielder's contribution.

"He picked the right day but we know he's always capable of that.

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