Rooney disappointed by penalty miss

Wayne Rooney was disappointed to miss out on a hat-trick as Manchester United thrashed Aston Villa 4-1 at Villa Park.

Rooney scored twice in eight minutes after Gabriel Agbonlahor headed the home side in front early on, but saw his second-half penalty saved by substitute Stuart Taylor after Scott Carson was sent off for bringing down Carlos Tevez.

“We had a disappointing start but after that we started playing well, passing it well and played some great football before half time,” Rooney told Setanta Sports.

“In the second half they had two men sent off which made it a bit easier.

“I’m pleased to be back scoring but obviously disappointed to miss the penalty but happy with the two.”

Rooney’s England colleague Rio Ferdinand was keen to claim United’s third goal, which was helped into his own net by Craig Gardner.

“Of course, when you hit it as cleanly as I did you deserve to be credited with the goal!” Ferdinand joked.

“The manager said before the game it’s a very tough place to come, Martin O’Neill has got his side firing on all cylinders and very difficult to beat.

“We’re happy to come out with three points and quite a good performance, especially from the front men.”

Asked about Rooney’s display, Ferdinand added: “He played very well, his movement with Carlos was very good and the signs are good for the future.”