Sir Alex Ferguson hails 'world class' Wayne Rooney

Sir Alex Ferguson hails 'world class' Wayne Rooney

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Wayne Rooney as "truly world class" after a late header from the striker took Manchester United into the Carling Cup final.



Ferguson's side will face Aston Villa at Wembley after beating Manchester City 3-1 in the second leg of the semi-final to win 4-3 on aggregate.


"His control, his leading of the line, his penetration was absolutely fantastic," enthused Ferguson.

"It was a wonderful performance, truly world class."
United trailed Manchester City 2-1 after the first leg at Eastlands but a storming second half at Old Trafford was capped by Rooney's winning goal in injury time, his 21st of the season in all competitions.

"I know with our deliveries I will get chances and thankfully I took that one in injury time," said Rooney.

The all-Manchester semi-final had been billed as the tie when City would underline their emergence as the new force in the north west, a fact that made victory even sweeter for Ferguson.

"You like to win your derbies," he stated. "The atmosphere tonight and the fact it was a semi-final tie added a lot of spice to the match.

"We kept our patience, that was important. Once we got into the last third of the field we always looked a threat."

Often the unsung hero, midfielder Darren Fletcher was also praised by Ferguson for his performance.