Source: Daily_Mail
Rooney saved my blushes, says delighted Man United star Carrick
[LNB]Lifting the gloom: Carrick hoists Rooney up onto his shoulders in celebration[LNB]An relieved Michael Carrick thanked Wayne Rooney for his injury-time intervention that catapulted Manchester United into the Carling Cup final at the expense of rivals Manchester City. [LNB]England midfielder Carrick had put United in control of the tie with a clinical low drive on 71 minutes and, after Tevez had restored parity on aggregate, had another guilt edged chance that he swatted wide from inside the box. [LNB]Cue Rooney for his late, late winner. The striker's header was his 21st goal of the season and Carrick was delighted to have his blushes saved.[LNB]He said: 'I missed a good chance to score what would have been mysecond goal (of the night) so when Wazza scored, it saved me a bit!'[LNB] Carrick claims he never lost faith that United would progress and the manner of their progress made it all the more sweet the midfielder.[LNB]He added: 'There was a lot riding on the game, playing against City with the chance to get to a final but we came through it and we're delighted.[LNB]'We were playing well in the second half, on the front foot and creating opportunities. [LNB] Late winner: Rooney (centre) wheels away in celebration[LNB]'We could have finished it off earlier when we were in a commanding position but to win it like we did (in injury time) makes for a very special night.[LNB]'The place was bouncing and we've sent everyone home happy on the red side. Our dressing room was a happy place to be.'[LNB]United will play Aston Villa in the final at the end of February. [LNB] Madchester II: Rooney's Manchester United's hero - but Bellamy hit by coin MARTIN SAMUEL: Three-goal Tevez left in a daze by home truth Man United 3 Man City 1 (United win 4-3 on agg): Rooney finds killer blowYour old man's a dustman and ours is really cool: Liam Gallagher backs stylish Roberto Mancini to outdo Sir Alex FergusonArsenal v Manchester United will be world's first 3D football matchMANCHESTER UNITED FC
