Rooney’s spot of luck fires United

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney admitted luck played a significant part as he bounced back from his penalty miss against Arsenal by converting one in Braga on Wednesday night.

Rooney has a mixed record with spot-kicks and became the fourth United player to miss one this season when he fired wide in United’s 2-1 Premier League victory over the Gunners at Old Trafford on Saturday.

But that did not deter him from stepping up four days later to take on the responsibility again when the Red Devils were awarded another penalty with five minutes of normal time remaining in their Champions League Group H clash at the Estadio AXA.

After substitute Robin van Persie’s 80th-minute effort had cancelled out Alan’s opener – also a penalty – for the hosts, it was an opportunity to put United in front for the first time and Rooney, who had earned the spot-kick when Nuno Coelho was adjudged to have fouled him, made the most of it by beating goalkeeper Beto with a firm shot.

The 27-year-old appeared to skid a little on the wet surface as he fired the ball in and he conceded afterwards he had been “a bit fortunate”.

Asked if he had had any doubts about taking the penalty, Rooney said: “No, not at all. Obviously I was disappointed at the weekend, not only to miss but to miss the target.

“I said after the game it wasn’t good enough and [against Braga] I was a bit fortunate; I slipped but thankfully it’s gone in so I’m happy with that.

“I was happy with it going in but obviously I’ve been quite lucky with that.”

With Javier Hernandez adding a close-range finish in stoppage-time, United went on to complete a 3-1 victory, a fourth win in four Group H fixtures that guarantees them top spot and a place in the competition’s last 16.

It was just the latest in a host of come-from-behind wins for United this season and Rooney conceded they can play better.

“I think we can play better football — at times it was too slow but the result is the most important thing,” Rooney said.

“I think we had quite a bit of possession, we just needed a bit more movement and speed to our play, and thankfully in the last 10 or 15 minutes, when it mattered, we got them.”

Veteran United midfielder Ryan Giggs felt the introduction of van Persie from the bench was crucial.

“It wasn’t until after we went 1-0 down — probably when Robin came on — that we started to play a little bit better,” Giggs said.

“His confidence is just sky high at the moment.’’