Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson praised a captain's performance from Wayne Rooney after the 20-year-old led them to a 3-0 Champions League win over FC Copenhagen on Tuesday.

Rooney was given the captaincy just 15 minutes before kick-off at Old Trafford after both Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand belatedly pulled out of the Group F game.

In the absence of the injured Gary Neville, Giggs was due to lead United out until he fell ill. Ferdinand, a likely deputy, then injured his neck during the warm-up.

With goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar still out preparing on the pitch, Ferguson looked round the dressing room to find a replacement. He said later that Rooney was the perfect choice.

"With Edwin van der Sar's experience and personality, perhaps I should have used that," Ferguson told a news conference.

"But I was looking for an outfield player and I am always looking for someone who would respond to it.

"Paul Scholes does not want to be captain again and therefore it was an easy choice to give it to somebody who would get a lift out of it."

Pleased with another fine display by the England striker, after a start to the season hit by suspension and loss of form, Ferguson said: "He was fantastic. His form is back, as we expected."

Rooney said: "I was pleased to get the armband, but it was not the main issue of the night. We are really pleased we got three goals and three points and it was an important win. My form is getting better.

"I think I am more or less back to my best."

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