United close gap on Chelsea but Ferdinand ruled out of cup final

WEMBLEY beckons but Manchester United last night demonstrated that winning an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title remains at the top of Alex Ferguson’s list of priorities as they warmed up for Sunday’s Carling Cup final by moving to within one point of leaders Chelsea in the table.

x Two goals by man-of-the-moment Wayne Rooney and another from substitute Michael Owen was just the send off that Ferguson had demanded before the long-serving United manager goes in search of his 20th piece of major domestic silverware in 24 years at Old Trafford.

However if the Red Devils are to retain the Carling Cup they will have to do so without Rio Ferdinand after the defender was ruled out of Sunday’s clash due to a back injury.