Fergie eyes next trophy as O’Neill rages at ref justice

ALEX FERGUSON had only just taken ownership of the latest major trophy of his Manchester United career following the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa before immediately eyeing his next success.

Wayne Rooney’s second-half winning goal ensured Ferguson’s 19th major cup final as United manager ended in victory repeating their success in the competition last year against Tottenham Hotspur.

Significantly, this win marked the first time Ferguson’s United side have enjoyed back to back successes in a cup competition.

Ferguson’s appetite for success is clearly undiminished and, after shrugging off Villa’s complaints about referee Phil Dowd’s failure to send off Nemamja Vidic after he conceded a fourth minute penalty, the United boss said: “Hopefully the next one will come this season. Next season I might be too old!

“We enjoy everything. If we can win something that’s why we win it. You have to accept what you can get. Any trophy is good for us.”

Villa manager Martin O’Neill made no attempt to disguise his frustration at Dowd’s actions immediately before James Milner converted the fourth minute spot-kick.

“I think it would be universally accepted they should have been down to 10 men. There’s no other decision to make.

“There was a goalscoring opportunity in the penalty area. It was a mistake from an otherwise very fine referee who’s got it wrong. It’s the major point of the match. I’ve spoken to Phil. In two or three days it’s all forgotten and we’re losing finalists,” said O’Neill.

Villa defender Richard Dunne, whose error led to Michael Owen’s equaliser, refused to blame the decision for their defeat.

“It’s very disappointing but we gave it a good go,” he said.

“It was a great start, that was what we wanted to do – to get in front and try and hold on. But I made a mistake and after that it was tough.

“Unfortunately it wasn’t our day.”

On whether Vidic should have been sent off, Dunne said: “Possibly, but the game went on and it was an even game all the way through.

“They got a man sent off at Villa Park and it didn’t make any difference. It was probably better to play against 11, it made it more enjoyable.”

Rooney was kept in reserve on the bench and was only introduced when Owen pulled up with a hamstring problem shortly before half time.

“I knew weeks ago he wouldn’t be playing in the final; this was a good opportunity to give him a break,” Ferguson said. “We have a massive game on Saturday and next Wednesday.

“We played him in the semi but this year’s semi (against Man City) was a different game because of the emotion but that apart we’ve not played our full team. For Dimitar Berbatov and Michael it’s been a good game.

“Berba’s work for the first goal was very good. Michael has followed it up.”

Rooney admitted he had been struggling with a knee problem before the game which made the decision to leave him out even easier.

“I wanted to start but I had a bit of a niggle with my knee,” he said.

“But it was a great finish from Michael for the first goal. It was unfortunate he had to go off but he did well.’’