Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has declared himself delighted over his sides 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in the Carling Cup Final yesterday, claiming that the win was “unbelievable”.
Rooney came off the bench to replace the injured Michael Owen, who had scored United’s opener, and popped up to head the winner home in the 74th minute despite playing with a slight knee problem himself.
Rooney stated after the game:
“It’s a great feeling to play a final at Wembley and to score the winning goal is unbelievable. Obviously I wanted to play but I had a bit of a sore knee. Fortunately for me I came on and I’m delighted with the winning goal.”
Rooney has been on fire of late and the press have made much of the fact that he is chasing the 42 goal target set by Crisitano Ronaldo two seasons ago, Rooney’s goal against Aston Villa left him on 28 so far.
“I am enjoying playing at the minute and enjoying scoring goals, hopefully that will continue. Cristiano got 42 but I am just looking to contribute to us winning medals. If that happens it would be great but as long as we win medals it would be even better.”
Despite the victory and Rooney’s marvellous display, the news that Michael Owen has suffered a hamstring injury will not go down well with a side that is still chasing glory in two other tournaments.
United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson said on the matter:
“He (Owen) did really well for us and it was a good performance from him. It’s maybe our fault too. He’s not had a lot of minutes recently and that soft pitch didn’t help him. It’s a bad blow for us.”
With the Premier League and Champions League titles still very much within United’s grasp Ferguson will be hoping no more injuries effect his sides quest for more glory.
United are still slightly behind Chelsea in the league and the odds with Ladbrokes reflect this with the Manchester side at 6/4 to Chelsea’s 5/4 to become Premier League champions.