UNITED RETAIN CARLING CROWN

Wayne Rooney came off the bench to score the winner as Manchester United retained the Carling Cup in an enthralling Final at Wembley.

The on-form striker had started on the bench but came on midway through the first half to replace the injured Michael Owen.

Owen had played his part though, hitting the equaliser after James Milner had opened the scoring from the penalty spot.

But Rooney struck again to continue his astonishing season and hand United another trophy win.

The match began terribly for the Old Trafford club though. Gabriel Agbonlahor burst through the defence and was clumsily brought down by Nemanja Vidic.

The Serbian was lucky to not be given a red card by referee Phil Dowd, but Milner made United pay from the spot with a confidently taken penalty.

The lead lasted just a matter of minutes, however, as Owen struck home for the equaliser.

Dimitar Berbatov, who enjoyed an impressive afternoon up-front, was tackled by Richard Dunne and the ball dropped to Owen who converted neatly from the edge of the area.

Owen hobbled off with a hamstring injury not long after but United almost went into the break 2-1 up thanks to Ji-Sung Park.

Man of the Match Antonio Valencia swung in one of several great crosses and the South Korean's shot came thudding back off the post.

The pace slowed in the second half as Villa began to fade and United exerted more control.

They had just shaded the game and got the goal their play warranted 20 minutes from time.

Valencia's cross was met by the head of Rooney and his looping header just eluded Brad Friedel in the Villa goal.

United hit the post again with another Rooney header but they were not to be denied the trophy.

Despite a late Villa rally, United saw out the remaining time to retain the Cup they won on penalties against Tottenham last season.