Rooney Revels In Victory

Wayne Rooney described last weekend's 3-0 defeat to Liverpool as one of the worst days in his professional career, but he scored twice against West Ham – his first a stunning 60-yard strike – to ensure the Reds got back to winning ways in the league at Upton Park.

Rooney, who joked that his first goal was even better than David Beckham's halfway line hit in 1996 against Wimbledon. Beckham was in the crowd at Upton Park to witness Rooney's strike as the Reds recorded a third consecutive away league win.

"Today was a good result after last week [against Liverpool]," said Rooney. "I think the win on Wednesday against Olympiacos has given us all a big lift and you could see today the confidence running through the team. It was a good victory and I'm really pleased with that.

"I think the Olympiacos result was massive for us in terms of picking the fans up and picking ourselves up after the defeat to Liverpool. We played some lovely football, although I'm a bit disappointed that we didn't take one or two other chances to make the match easier for ourselves.

"Overall we played some good stuff. I thought we defended really well. I thought Michael Carrick at the back, in a difficult game, was outstanding for us so there are a lot of positives for us.

"We played great as a team and I thought there was some great counter-attacking football from us. That's in the DNA of Manchester United and today we did that, particularly in the first half. We caused them a lot of problems and could have scored more.”

Of his goal, Rooney said: "It was just instinct. I've turned and I've had a quick look and seen the goalkeeper off his line. It's one of those that I've tried many times and thankfully it's gone in and I was delighted with that."

Asked if it was better than Beckham's strike, he joked: "Of course it was! It's up there [with my best goals] but I wouldn't say it's my favourite. The goals we mentioned before [against Newcastle and City] are goals that you try in training and games and it's not often they come off. When they do it's a great feeling."

Next up for the Reds on Tuesday is Manchester City's visit to Old Trafford. But after two wins on the trot United go into the game with confidence. "It's a massive game," Rooney told Sky Sports. "It's a big game for City too, for the fans and for the players. It's a big challenge for us and we have to go into that with confidence after the last two games. I'm looking forward to it, I'm excited, and hopefully we can get a good result."