Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects Wayne Rooney to hit top form after ending his goal drought in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa.The England striker grabbed two goals in the Old Trafford rout as United claimed a massive boost in their bid to retain the Premier League title.

It was also their sixth straight league victory and came as they prepare for their vital Champions League quarter-final first-leg match against Roma in Italy on Tuesday.

Rooney found the target in the 53rd and 70th minutes with cool finishes, after Cristiano Ronaldo - with his 35th goal of the season - and Carlos Tevez had also scored.

Ferguson said: "I thought Wayne was never going to score, to be honest.

"But he is the kind of striker who could go on a run now and get goals in his next six or seven matches."

Ronaldo made the breakthrough with an outrageous back-heel that fooled goalkeeper Scott Carson and Ferguson was again full of praise for the once again outstanding winger.

He said: "It was only when I saw the replay I realised what Ronaldo had done.

"The execution was absolutely brilliant, so full marks to him.

"We displayed some great attacking movements, and you have to admire the players' enthusiasm in difficult conditions.

"It has to be one of our best performances of the season and just what was needed after Arsenal's victory.

"We have six games to go, four of them away, and it will be nip and tuck. But we are playing well and have improved our goal difference."

Villa manager Martin O'Neill was gracious in defeat - the club have not won at the ground since 1983.

He said: "I thought United were really brilliant. They have been in these situations many times, in the Champions League quarter-finals and going for the title.

"Their enthusiasm, determination and ability are there for all to see. They are a class side, no question of that.

"Many teams would have struggled like we did.

"We have real distance to go, we know that. That [United's level] is what we have to aspire to.

"Aston Villa are capable of getting in there. However, we have to start getting back to winning ways."

Striker John Carew suffered a groin strain during the match, and his fitness will be assessed in the next 48 hours.

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