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London. Wayne Rooney insists that his League Cup final winner against Aston Villa proves he can cope with the pressure of spearheading Manchester United’s treble bid.

Rooney found himself in the unusual position of being a spectator at the start of Sunday’s clash at Wembley after United manager Alex Ferguson opted to rest the England forward to allow him to recover from a stomach bug and a knee injury.

Rooney, 24, admitted he was disappointed to have been left out, but not even injury or illness can hold back such a ferocious competitor for long.

When Michael Owen pulled up with a hamstring injury late in the first half, Rooney entered the fray and gave a vibrant display, capped by the 74th-minute header that ensured United would win the trophy for the third time in five years.

It was his 28th goal of the season and just the latest in a long line of match-winning displays as United comes to rely on the forward more and more.

And with the League Cup safely back in the Old Trafford trophy room, Rooney and company now turn their attention to retaining the Premier League title and avenging last season’s Champions League final defeat.

Every game from here to the end of the season will be vital, but Rooney has no doubts he can cope with the strain of leading United down the home stretch.

“I don’t feel any burden to do well. To be honest, I’ve probably had a lot of pressure since I was 16,” Rooney said. “It’s something you get used to and try to deal with in your own way.”

After spending much of last season playing out on the left wing to allow Cristiano Ronaldo free rein to roam in central areas, Rooney has been restored to the forward line since the Portuguese star’s move to Real Madrid.

Not only has he enjoyed a more prolific season as a result, he has added aerial prowess to his arsenal, and his last five goals have all been headers.

“It’s down to good wing play,” Rooney said. “The deliveries have been a lot better this season and I’ve managed to get myself in the box in good positions.”

“But I haven’t set myself a goal target. Cristiano got 42 goals in a season, but I want to contribute to us winning medals.”

As if scoring the winner in a Wembley final wasn’t reason enough to break out the Champagne, Rooney could also afford a smile at Chelsea’s 4-2 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.

United is just one point behind the Premier League leader, with Arsenal a further two points adrift, setting up the prospect of a dramatic end to the season.

“It’s really tight. Any one of the three teams could still win the league,” Rooney said. “I suppose for the neutral it’s a great league to follow. As a player, we know we have to be consistent over our last 10 games.”

Rooney had little time to celebrate United’s triumph as he headed off to England’s training base for tests on his knee before Wednesday’s friendly with Egypt at Wembley.

Meanwhile, Tottenham beat Everton 2-1 on Sunday to stay fourth in the Premier League.

The victory gave Tottenham 49 points from 28 games and kept Harry Redknapp’s team above Manchester City on goal difference.

Liverpool stayed sixth with 48 points from 28 matches despite beating Blackburn 2-1 at Anfield.

Villa has 45 points from 26 matches and, now with two games in hand on Tottenham, still has a chance of finishing fourth, which would mean a shot at next season’s Champions League.

 

Agence France-Presse