McCarthy has no regrets over selection

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy defended his controversial team selection but admitted he could understand the angry reaction of his club's supporters following the 3-0 defeat at Manchester United.

McCarthy made 10 changes to the side that defeated Tottenham at White Hart Lane and once Wayne Rooney opened United's account from the penalty spot before Nemanja Vidic headed home number two and Antonio Valencia crashed home the third. It was too much for the travelling Wolves faithful, who chanted "we want our money back".

"I can understand that reaction," said McCarthy.

"But at the end of the season I will be judged on whether Wolves have stayed in the Premier League or not.

"It was my strongest team - because it was a team with fresh legs."

Sir Alex Ferguson offered particular praise to Rooney, who scored his 13th goal of the season when he drilled home a 30th-minute opener from the penalty spot.

And Valencia is now up to six following his well-taken effort after a brilliant overhead kick from Dimitar Berbatov.

"Antonio is improving, there is no question about that," said Ferguson.

"He was only a quiet lad when he came but he is more expansive now and he is expressing himself on the pitch very well.

"Six goals is a decent return because we know it is an area he can do better in. Overall we are really pleased with him."