Ferguson hails in-form Rooney

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LONDON, Feb 28, 2010 (AFP) - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he fully expected Wayne Rooney to score the winning goal in the League Cup final after the England striker headed the Red Devils to victory on Sunday.

Rooney came off the substitutes' bench to hand United a 2-1 win over Aston Villa in the showpiece match at Wembley.

Villa went ahead four minutes in after United defender Nemanja Vidic conceded a penalty, which James Milner scored.

Michael Owen equalised before going off injured. His replacement Rooney headed the winner.

"It was a bad start to the game. We got caught on the hop. The penalty kick, I think it was the right decision," said Ferguson.

"But we recovered and that's the quality of Michael Owen. Unfortunately he's got a hamstring injury and had to come off and then Wayne comes on and scores a winning goal but the form he's been in, you expect that.

"There's a lot of big games coming up now. It gives everyone a boost, no question about that."

Villa manager Martin O'Neill felt Vidic should have been sent off.

"I don't think there's any query about it and the more you see it the more it's so, so puzzling," he said.

"Unfortunately it's the major point of the game and Manchester United without doubt should have been playing the game with 10 men.

"Anybody who witnessed this either on television or during the course of the game would probably side with me.

"Eventually, who knows what the outcome would be? It would be a difficult battle to play in very difficult conditions, playing with 10 men and a goal behind. We're a very capable side and that should have been the scenario.

"We were absolutely fantastic, particularly in the first half of the game, We had taken the game to Manchester United, we played some scintillating football.

"Manchester United obviously came more into the game in the second half and caused us one or two problems but we were always dangerous in the game.

"Well done Manchester United. They've won the game and good luck to them. They are a really great side.

"But we are improving rapidly and I hope this taste of Wembley would drive this team on to come back again."

Owen predicted a speedy return to first-team action despite his injury.

"I felt my hamstring just as I was about to shoot," he said.

"A bitter end to the day in many ways to have to limp off but great that I played a part in the victory.

"I've torn it properly before. I haven't had a hamstring injury for five or six years so it's a pity it's come back to haunt me but I'm sure I'll be back in a matter of weeks."

Vidic felt referee Phil Dowd made the right decision by not sending him off for bringing down Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor.

"I can react better but Agbonlahor did well," he said.

"I don't think it was a red card because I got in front of him, not behind. If I had got behind then yes.

"It's always nice to win big games but it was hard. They played with two forwards but I thought we deserved it."