The England frontman scored a magnificent overhead kick to clinch a 2-1 victory over neighbours Manchester City at Old Trafford and then told the fans: "I owe you that".
There is no superlative that can do justice to the manner with which Rooney spun round, manipulated his body four feet into the air, then connected with Nani's cross with such power Joe Hart didn't move before it flashed into the top corner of his goal.
It will be replayed many years from now and will be a major contender for the goal of the season prize.
However, given Rooney's indifferent form since he suffered the first of a succession of ankle injuries in Munich last March, the 25-year-old accepts there was an element of payback as well.
"The Manchester United fans deserve that from me," said Rooney, whose goal secured a 2-1 win.
"I haven't had the best of seasons and I know how big this game is in Manchester, so I hope they enjoyed that.
"Now the aim is to keep scoring and help us get that title back."
TOO EXPERIENCED
In that regard, Rooney was somewhat more forceful than Sir Alex Ferguson.
Unlike his manager, who has spent the last few months emphasising just how crazy this season has been and is presumably far too experienced to take anything for granted, Rooney was prepared to look at United's imposing eight-point lead over their neighbours, check they also have a match in hand in a season which, for them, has 12 hurdles left, and discount them from the battle.
"It almost certainly rules City out of the title race unless a disaster happens," he said.
"We are the team to catch. We know how it feels to be top of the league and to get over that finish line.
"We have the experience with the manager and the players and we know what we have to do.
"Hopefully within the next six or seven games, we can maintain that gap, or make it bigger."