Sir Alex Ferguson is backing star striker Wayne Rooney (7/2 Each Way First Goalscorer v Manchester City) to fire holders Manchester United to another Carling Cup final appearance.

England international Rooney scored all four goals against Hull to fire the champions to top spot in the Premier League last weekend (Man United 11/4 Premier League – Outright).

Rooney has taken on the goal-scoring burden since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Real Madrid in the summer and the former Everton favourite has not shirked any responsibility, scoring 20 goals in all competitions so far this season.

Ferguson believes no other striker comes close to Rooney on current form and is confident he can shatter Manchester City’s hopes of a first major cup final since the 1981 FA Cup.

“Wayne is in such great form there are not many in this country matching him at present,” said Ferguson.

“There are other good players in the country but Wayne’s goalscoring form has put him up in that frame.

“Wayne has got 20 already and the crucial part of the season is coming up, so he could easily get above 30.”