It was the home support's turn to be incensed when Thomson blew his whistle for a head knock suffered by Derek Young as Barry Ferguson continued the play by slotting the ball into the net from 22 yards.

BBC: Rangers 2-0 Aberdeen

Rangers and Scotland forward Steven Naismith took a different view, saying Ferguson's continued absence from the Scotland squad is a "massive loss".

BBC: Barry Ferguson confirms Scotland retirement

Rooney almost extended United's victory margin when he hit the woodwork with another header, but his amazing season continued as his 28th goal of the campaign gave Ferguson another piece of silverware.

BBC: Aston Villa 1-2 Man Utd

Mannus' club colleague Robert Garrett, Martin Donnelly, James Lawrie and Shane Ferguson were also handed first caps late in the game as the Irish continued to battle gamely.

BBC: Italy 3-0 Northern Ireland

Ferguson replaced an out-of-form Carlos Tevez with Nani as United continued to probe from wide areas but clear-cut chances were not forthcoming and Villa reminded the reigning champions of their threat when Ashley Young's drive was well saved by Van der Sar.

BBC: Aston Villa 0-0 Man Utd

That comeback was to be a mere flash in the pan for the visitors as Schalke continued to dominate, Kyriakos Papadopoulos providing a constant aerial threat which the onlooking Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will have noted.

BBC: Schalke 2-1 Inter Milan (agg 7-3)