London, Jan. 28 : Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has hailed Wayne Rooney for his “world-class display” as the England striker’s performance earned a place for the team in the Carling Cup finals.

“I thought Wayne was much better in this game than he was on Saturday when he scored four goals against Hull,” The Sun quoted Fergie, as saying.

“His control, his leading of the line and his penetration were absolutely fantastic. It was a wonderful performance. A true, world-class display,” he added.

England striker Rooney''s 21st goal of the season gave United a dramatic 3-1 win on the night - Carlos Tevez scoring for City - and a 4-3 victory on aggregate.

Fergie said: "You like to win your derby games. We''ve had our fair share since I came here, but the atmosphere tonight and the fact it was a semi-final added a lot of spice to the match.

Ferguson is the first manager to take a team to seven League Cup finals.

“Scoring so late brought a special type of celebration. The supporters were unbelievable and, when they are like that, we never let them down. I''m proud of that and proud of the team,” he said.

Rooney said: "We were deserved winners. We started well and when we went at them, they didn''t know what to do."

City chief Roberto Mancini blamed his defence for the loss.

He said: "We must pay more attention. If you give them two or three chances they score.

"We had a big chance to get to the final but now we have to concentrate on trying to win the FA Cup and the Premier League." (ANI)