Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed “fantastic” Wayne Rooney after the striker helped the league leaders to victory against Aston Villa.
The 25-year-old scored two stunning first half goals against the Birmingham outfit as United regained their five-point cushion over second-placed Arsenal.
His first came in the first minute when, through on goal, he smashed the ball past Brad Friedel with his second coming on the stroke of half-time when he cooly slotted home following a great cross from Nani.
They were only Rooney’s third and fourth league goals of a faltering season, and they delighted boss Sir Alex Ferguson who praised the striker’s performance.
Ferguson told MUTV: “It was a fantastic bit of vision from Edwin van der Sar and a great strike, and he’s taken it absolutely fantastically. What a hit.
“Wayne Rooney was fantastic tonight. He’s still got the appetite to play, and that’s an important factor in it all.
“He never stops trying hard, and that’s an inbred thing in the lad. We can’t be criticising him when he’s giving that effort.”
Two goals from Rooney and sweet sweet from captain Nemanja Vidic helped United to a 3-1 victory with Darren Bent on the score sheet for the visitors.