Manchester United lifts League Cup

Over to Great Britain now and the first piece of silverware has been handed out after a pulsating final between Manchester United and Aston Villa. Wayne Rooney is a man on fire - he scored the games decisive goal - his 28th of the season to steer Alex Ferguson's side to victory.

Manchester United's Patrice Evra (R) lifts the League Cup trophy  after winning their English League Cup final soccer match against  Aston Villa at Wembley Stadium in London February 28, 2010. REUTERS/ Eddie Keogh

England hopeful Gabriel Agbonlahor raced clear of Nemanja Vidic early in the first half. The United defender pulled down the Villa striker and referee Phil Dowd had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Vidic was fortunate to escape without a yellow card.

James Milner stepped up to put his side 1 nil up.

Eight minutes later, Richard Dunne lost the ball to Dimitar Berbatov. Dunne succeeded only in passing to Michael Owen,who struck a fine equalizer.1-1

Owen had to come off just before half-time through injury and was replaced by Wayne Rooney who seemed up for it.

Rooney proved to be United's match-winner, continuing his superb run of form with a well-executed header from Antonio Valencia's cross. It was Rooney's 28th goal of the season.

United held on for victory, becoming the first team since Nottingham Forest - who did it in 1989 and 1990 to win the competition in successive seasons.

With Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand all absent from the starting line-up, stand-in captain Patrice Evra lifted the trophy.