Relieved Rooney earns Ferguson praise

Wayne Rooney admitted to feeling relief after scoring the winning penalty in Manchester United’s 1-0 Champions League win over Rangers.

It was Rooney’s first goal for the Red Devils since August 28, with allegations about his private life, a bitter, public contract dispute and niggling injuries all contributing to the England striker’s form slump.

But the 25-year-old said he had no hesitation in stepping up to take the 85th minute penalty which secured United’s place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

“There were not many nerves really,” said Rooney. “I knew what I was doing and where I was going.”

“I can only do that. If the keeper guesses the right way and saves it, so be it. Thankfully it went in.”

“Obviously it is a bit of a relief for me to score. Hopefully I can build on this now.”

“I felt good. I felt fit throughout the game. I want to build on this performance and this goal.”

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised his striker for having the courage to stand up under pressure when he was needed.

“It took courage but he has never been short of that,” said Ferguson. “It was a fantastic penalty.”

“He needs the games. The way we are going to do that is to keep him on he pitch for 90 minutes.”

“That will continue now as we try to get him to his level. He is rusty, that is obvious, but it is a start for him.”

Rooney’s spot kick came after Steven Naismith brought down Fabio da Silva with a high challenge, but Rangers boss Walter Smith thought the decision to give the penalty was the incorrect one.

“It’s disappointing to lose out to that type of goal,” Smith said. “I don’t think there was any great intent in Steven Naismith’s challenge. The ball comes over the top and he just hooks round.”

“It’s disappointing; the amount of effort our boys have to put in to get anywhere near that result.”