Manchester United beat Aston Villa by 2 - 1

Wayne Rooney was the Carling Cup final head boy as Manchester United came from behind to retain a knockout competition for the first time with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.

After starting as a substitute, Rooney was only on the pitch because of an injury to Michael Owen, who had levelled James Milner's fourth-minute penalty.

He was not going to let that inconvenience stop him becoming the Wembley match-winner against Villa though and 16 minutes from time, Rooney got on the end of Antonio Valencia's cross and looped home yet another headed goal - his fifth in a row - to take his goal tally for the season to 28 and allow United to retain the trophy after a thrilling Wembley encounter Sir Alex Ferguson feared was not possible.

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Manchester United in League Cup final

Defending champion Manchester United reach the League Cup final.

Wayne Rooney's 21st goal of the season in stoppage time prevented the Manchester derby going into extra time, and clinched a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford to send United through 4-3 on aggregate.

United will play Aston Villa in the Feb. 28 final. Big-spending City has not contested a final since 1981.

Second-half goals from Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick looked to have clinched a spot in the final for Ferguson's side after overturning the 2-1 first-leg deficit.

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