Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he is considering resting red-hot striker Wayne Rooney for the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa at Wembley on Sunday (Aston Villa 16/5 draw 12/5 Man United 20/23 – match betting).

England international Rooney (6/5 Anytine Scorer) has scored 27 goals in all competitions this season and is now just 15 short of the total chalked up by Cristiano Ronaldo in United’s 2008 Champions League-winning season.

Ferguson described the 24-year-old as “world class” in the wake of his Champions League double over AC Milan.

However, with important games coming up, including the return leg against Milan and crucial Premier League games, the Scot has hinted he may wrap Rooney in cotton wool.

“It has to be a consideration simply because we have important games coming up,” said the United boss.

“The problem is he is desperate to play, he is always desperate to play.”

Ferguson joked: “Maybe it is his chance to play right-back because he keeps telling everyone he is a great defender, centre-half or sweeper.”

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