CSKA hail 'game changing' new dad Rooney

Proud father Wayne Rooney has been showing off pictures of baby son Kai to his Manchester United team-mates after a 'game-changing' contribution to their 3-3 draw with CSKA Moscow.

Instead the England striker had to settle for United securing a place in the last 16 thanks to Antonio Valencia's deflected leveller in stoppage-time.

After the pulsating 3-3 draw, full-back Patrice Evra said: 'It is great for Wayne being a father. It makes you more mature.

'He sent me photos straightaway by text and he is obviously very happy. It was clear he wanted to play and celebrate with a goal.'

United were facing their first home defeat in 23 Champions League games after finding themselves two goals down to the Russians early in the second half.

Rooney was then introduced and according to CSKA coach Leonid Slutski changed the face of the game.

Paul Scholes pulled a goal back in the 84th minute and Valencia secured a vital point when his shot took a deflection to wrong-foot superb goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

United manager Alex Ferguson said: 'Wayne hadn't had much sleep. I would have preferred to leave him on the bench. I think his energy and confidence was very high. He makes an impact. He is such a good player and is always capable of scoring. He was a wee bit unlucky.'

Slutski added: 'Rooney is one of the best players in the world. He has a high level of skill as well as aggression. He made a difference as I thought United were moderate before he came on.'

Ferguson wants UEFA to consider taking retrospective action on bookings as well as red cards in Champions League matches.

He was incensed that Darren Fletcher was shown a yellow card for diving by Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca instead of a penalty being awarded.

Ferguson said: 'You can't appeal a yellow card. I can understand in domestic football that it could get lost in the system.

'But in European football it is crucial because, later in the tournament, to miss a really important game because of that is unfair. They should look at that but they won't.

'I cannot believe the decision (of the referee). Okay it is human error but it was one of the worst in my lifetime.'

Alan Dzagoev opened the scoring for the visitors only for Michael Owen to pull United level with his fifth goal of the season.

However CSKA regrouped and extended their lead with goals from Milos Krasic and Vasili Berezutski.

It looked curtains for United, only for last season's beaten finalists to raise their game.

Ferguson added: 'If you want excitement, come to Old Trafford. One of the great pleasures of being a manager here is when you get finishes like that.'