Fergie praises returning Rooney
Wayne Rooney changed the game for Manchester United
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Saturday, 05, Jan 2008 09:12
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the impact substitute Wayne Rooney had in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
As the game at Villa Park looked to be heading for a dull draw, Ferguson threw on Rooney with 20 minutes left. The England striker gave United much more urgency upfront and he scored to add to Cristiano Ronaldo's opener to seal the win.
"Wayne changed the game when he came on. He brought us thrust and enthusiasm and direct play. He attacked defenders and made a heck of a difference to the game," said Ferguson.
"I have been trying to find a new Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a substitute - although I don't think Wayne would appreciate that," joked the United boss.
Ferguson also had special praise for the United fans that travelled to Villa Park. The United manager criticised the atmosphere at Old Trafford last week during the home game against Birmingham.
"We had 7,500 fans here, who had a real party," he said. "Every time we come to Aston Villa, they are really up for it. They can make a difference, which is the point I made last week. When our fans are like that, we do not let them down."
United are still on course to mount a serious challenge for three major trophies. They are second in the Premier League – two points behind Arsenal, and they will face Lyon in the first knockout phase of the Champions League.