Sir Alex Ferguson hailed match winner Wayne Rooney as the difference for Manchester United after his last-gasp goal over local rivals Manchester City secured their place in the Carling Cup final.

Ferguson’s side will meet Aston Villa (5/2 Villa, United 10/11, the draw at 90 minutes 9/4 with Totesport) at Wembley next month after they saw off City 3-1 in the second leg of the semi-final to win 4-3 on aggregate at a bouncing Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.

Afterwards. Fergie described Rooney as “truly world class” although he would have been relieved the England star finally took one of his chances in the match to prevent the game from going to extra time.

“His control, his leading of the line, his penetration was absolutely fantastic,” the United boss said. “It was a wonderful performance, truly world class.”

Carlos Tevez appeared to have returned to haunt his old club once again as his goal seemed set to take the tie to extra time following earlier strikes from Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick, which had turned the clash on its head in the second half.

United return to Premier League action on Sunday (3/1 with Totesport to win the league) with a tough trip to title rivals Arsenal (4/1 to lift the title) while City host bottom-club Portsmouth on the same day.