Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick hailed fellow goal scorer Wayne Rooney after last night's Carling Cup victory over Manchester City.

Carrick heaped praise on the man who spared his blushes and booked United's passage to Wembley.

He told MUTV: "He (Wayne Rooney) is awesome.

"He just keeps improving. When I first came to the club, I thought he was a great player. But three years on he's improved again. He just gets better and better.

"All credit to him because he's taken on more responsibility up top and not only is he scoring goals, he's creating them for others.

"He's doing everything you could possibly ask of him. Let's hope it continues until May."