Rooney Disappointed Not To Beat Villa

Wayne Rooney was disappointed after Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, saying the Reds should have taken all three points from the game.

United were forced to come from behind at Villa Park after Christian Benteke had put the hosts ahead, but the Reds couldn't find a winner after Radamel Falcao headed in an equaliser in the second half.

Villa had Gabriel Agbonlahor sent off with 25 minutes remaining, and Rooney believes the Reds should have made the most of the advantage.

“We’re disappointed, he told MUTV. "I thought we were the better team and their goal came against the run of play. We came out for the second half knowing that we had to push for an early goal, and managed to do that.

"When they went down to ten men, they put more bodies behind the ball which made it a bit more difficult, but perhaps our final pass or cross wasn’t there. We’ve missed an opportunity today.

"They knew that after the red card they would have to defend with men behind the ball, and sometimes it can be difficult. It was frustrating, their goal came from a free-kick and deflected into the top corner, but these things happen. We had to lift ourselves and we did well to get the goal after the break, we just couldn’t find a second.

“We were pushing them and we had good possession, but just couldn’t get a breakthrough. We’re paying the price for that now. It’s important not to lose the game, but we thought we’d done enough to win. We should have got three points, so we’re a bit disappointed and frustrated.”

Louis van Gaal's side dominated for long periods without finding the net, but looked favourites to win after Falcao nodded home Ashley Young's cross.

The goal was the striker's second for United on his fourth start for the club, and Rooney was delighted to see the Colombian get on the scoresheet on his first start since 5 October. “It was a great run and cross by Ashley and an equally great header by Radamel, so it was a nice goal, he added. "I’m pleased for him today."