Former Manchester United and England star Rooney curled home a low free-kick in the 27th minute to give United all three points and their first win in Columbus since 2007.

The victory leaves United three points clear of second-placed Montreal Impact at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with 17 points from nine games.

Montreal kept pace with United after a 3-0 away win against the New England Revolution.

Shamit Shome opened the scoring for Montreal in the 79th minute, tapping home a close-range effort after a horrendous blunder by Revs goalkeeper Cody Cropper, who spilled what should have been a straightforward save.

Anthony Jackson-Hamel added a late brace for Montreal, with goals in the 85th and 90th minutes.

Elsewhere Wednesday, Argentinian striker Valentin Castellanos scored in the ninth minute to hand New York City FC a 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire at Yankee Stadium.

The 20-year-old from Mendoza slid home a perfect low pass from Brazilian forward Heber to give City all three points to move them into seventh spot in the Eastern Conference.