Carling Cup Final Recap: Aston Villa 1 – 2 Manchester United, Rooney Does it Again

Published by adam | Filed under Football (aka soccer), Miscellaneous

Manchester United beat Aston Villa 2-1 and adds another trophy to their already overflowing mantle. Wayne Rooney, the difference-maker in the 2010 League Cup, scored the goal-ahead goal in what can only augment his perception as the best striker in the world.





Manchester United, without Ronaldo is certainly a different team. Besides Rooney, there are few big time names or superstars. Sir Alex Ferguson, of course has a wide arrange of class to work with, but it has been amazing to see Manchester United keep pace with the likes of superstar studded Chelsea in the race for the Premiership title. Currently, United are in top form and are playing team football.


That race, however, has been facilitated by the presence of Rooney, who simply has been unstoppable this season. Rooney, intended to be rested this game, featured as a substitute in the 42nd as Michael Owen went down with a hamstring injury. Owen will likely be out for a couple of weeks.


Rooney also took a slight knock and was visibly uncomfortable. As a result, he will miss Wednesday’s friendly against Egypt. A) It is only a friendly, B) Rooney will do best to avoid an unnecessary injury, and C) Capello can test his strikers to see who will play along Rooney in South Africa. Rooney definitely picked one of the best times to get injured. Very lucky United.


Rio Ferdinand will also not be playing for Capello’s side in Watford through a back injury. Gerrard will likely command the Three Lions as captain.


About the match…


Serbian Nemanja Vidic fouled Gabriel Agbonlahor in the 4th minute to concede a penalty. James Milner (pen) gave Villa the early lead, but only for a brief period as Owen equalized (12) on a slip-up by Villa defenders.


There was a big fuss about the referee’s decision to not give Vidic a card as he appeared to take down the player from behind. However, the foul came in the first minutes of the game, and it is uncommon that someone is sent off so suddenly. Although, as he tackled the last man, Vidic should have seen a yellow. Rooney, who rarely scores with his head, headed home the classy winner in the 74th from an Antonio Valencia (man of the match) cross. Villa rallied but was unfortunate in hitting the post in the end of the game.


Possession was shared by the squads at 50% with shots favoring Manchester United 18 (9) to Villa’s 10 (3).


Rooney at 28 goals is absolutely one of the best, if not the best, strikers in the world. But, in order to receive the World Player of the Year, he will have to prove himself on the international stage during the World Cup. Furthermore, how much better is Rooney than Drogba, who has kept Chelsea in front the majority of the season? However, it is still Messi’s trophy to lose as he finds himself only a few goals shy of Rooney, who takes some of the most shots in the world.