Stoke City boss Tony Pulis admits Wayne Rooney was the difference for Manchester United in their victory yesterday.

Pulis was hoping Sir Alex Ferguson would rest the England ace, who struck twice for the 4-2 win.

"I was disappointed to see him on the team sheet," he said. "I thought Alex might have rested him today.

"Wayne is a great player. You watch him at times and his movement is absolutely first-class."