Rooney put on the spot to score at Rangers

On his first start since signing a lucrative new contract and annoying the Red Devils fans with his negotiating tactics, Rooney gave another television interview in which he did not say sorry.

Whether United are bothered is debatable. After all, Rooney is paid to score goals and on his first start following a long-standing ankle injury, he did just that, sending Allan McGregor the wrong way after Fabio had been fouled to give the visitors their fateful spot-kick near the end.

For Rangers, there was no way back and Valencia's hammering of Bursaspor in Spain condemned them to the Europa League next year.

"It took a lot of courage to take the penalty kick," Sir Alex Ferguson said.

"It was not an easy night, he missed a couple of chances but that's what you expect with the rustiness in his game. We are pleased for him."

He added: "Every time he scores a goal he wants to celebrate with the fans and players."

On Rooney's fitness, the Scot added: "He's got a bit to go."

A draw against Valencia would see United top the group.

"We want to go and win the group," added Ferguson. "We've got Valencia at home, we can look forward to that."

Tottenham booked their place in the last 16 with an almost effortless 3-0 destruction of Werder Bremen at White Hart Lane.

Younes Kaboul followed up his derby winner by putting Spurs ahead with a sixth-minute volley before Luka Modric doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time.

Gareth Bale missed a second-half penalty and rattled the woodwork twice before Peter Crouch rounded off proceedings with a close-range tap-in with 11 minutes left.

Crouch added: "It's a great achievement."