Sir Alex Ferguson praised the “courage” of Wayne Rooney after the striker scored from the penalty spot late on to seal Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Rangers in the Champions League at Ibrox.

The England international was restored to the United starting line-up on Wednesday for the first time since September but it didn’t look like being his night when he rattled the bar with a first-half header and missed a host of other chances against the Scottish champions.

However, after Steven Naismith was penalised for a high challenge on Fabio da Silva, Rooney stepped up to score only his second goal of the season three minutes from time.

The result secured the Old Trafford side’s place in the last 16 of the Champions League and they will battle it out with Valencia to see who tops Group C in the final match in two weeks’ time.

Rooney has had his troubles this season, with various off-field problems and contract wrangling coinciding with a dip in form.

However, his goal went some way to reconciling himself with the United fans and Ferguson praised him for having the nerve to take the spot-kick.

“It took courage for Rooney to take the penalty, but I don’t think he’s ever been short of that anyway,” the United manager said.

“It was a fantastic penalty. He needs the games and the only way we’re going to do that is by keeping him on the pitch for 90 minutes.

“That will continue now to try and get him to his level. He is rusty and is needing games, that is obvious, but it is a start for him.”

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