Wayne hails 'best fans in the world'

Match-winner Wayne Rooney hailed United’s global following as thousands of Reds watched United become world-beaters against Liga de Quito both in the Yokohama International Stadium, on television and via ManUtd.com’s coverage.

“We’ve been amazed by the amount of fans over here,” he admitted after the game. “So many have travelled from England and there are also thousands here in Japan. We’re the best team in the world and they’re the best fans in the world.”

Rooney was ecstatic at scoring the goal that confirmed United’s position as the greatest team on Earth - his third goal in less than one and a half games.

“It’s fantastic, I was really happy to get the goal for us," he said.

"It’s a great achievement for us, and it’s something we’ve worked very hard for. We’re delighted to be world champions.”

United’s no.10 gave Liga de Quito’s goalkeeper Jose Cevallos a torrid evening, especially in the first half, but Wayne admitted the game was made a lot harder in early in the second period by Nemanja Vidic’s sending off.

“It was a really tough game for us after going down to ten men," added Rooney. "They had more possession but we defended well to win it."

Rooney is hitting top form at a great time for United and after receiving what looks like a giant key as FIFA's Man of the Match - he was also Player of the Tournament - Wayne will surely unlock more defences back in England. Opposition goalkeepers should expect an unhappy new year.

Carling Cup round-up - Weds 3rd Dec

Carlos Tevez scored four times as Manchester United beat Blackburn Rovers 5-3 in a dramatic night at Old Trafford.

Tevez opened the scoring before setting up United's second with five minutes remaining in the first-half. He bundled home Ryan Giggs' far-post corner nine minutes from the break, then provided the pass that allowed Nani to grab number two shortly afterwards.

Blackburn threatened to make a comeback when Benni McCarthy scored just three minutes after the break, but the likelyhood of Paul Ince getting one over on his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson appeared to have been snuffed out by Tevez, who scored two quick-fire goals soon after.

Matt Derbyshire pulled one back for the visitors on 84 minutes, and McCarthy netted his second of the match in the second minute of injury time. Tevez scored his fourth of the match with seconds to spare to book United's place in the semi-finals.