But after Michael Carrick handled in the area, Ballack won it from the spot.

BBC: Chelsea 2-1 Man Utd

United struggled overall but got a consolation goal when Michael Carrick shot into the corner in injury time.

BBC: Man Utd 1-2 Man City

Rooney's deft header played in Antonio Valencia but the winger lacked the incisiveness to get a shot away, while Michael Carrick's shot from 20 yards brought a decent save from Friedel.

BBC: Man Utd 0-1 Aston Villa

Michael Carrick was absolutely magnificent playing in front of the back four - but Wayne Rooney was the story.

BBC: pundits on Carling Cup final

Wayne Rooney equalised after a mistake by Ricardo Carvalho but Ballack struck the winner from the penalty spot after 86 minutes following a handball by Michael Carrick.

BBC: Man Utd could crack, says Grant

United wasted a glorious chance when Michael Carrick hooked over the Villa defence for Rooney, who found himself clean through but fired horribly high and wide from close range.

BBC: Aston Villa 0-0 Man Utd