By Dan Warren

Van Nistelrooy (right) was an unused substitute

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has played down his decision to drop Ruud van Nistelrooy for the 4-0 Carling Cup win over Wigan on Sunday.

He said striker Louis Saha was picked for the final because of his form in the competition and denied that Van Nistelrooy had objected to the move.

"He seemed to be OK in the dressing room before the game and he was OK with the players," said Ferguson.

"He's disappointed but he had to be disappointed, that's the nature of it."

Saha scored the second goal in United's comfortable victory, taking his tally in this season's competition to six.

"Since he has been fit he has scored 10 in 13 games, there is a danger of overlooking it and not giving him his credit," added Ferguson.

I want to start every game - sometimes the choice goes my way and other times it doesn't but thankfully I got the opportunity Louis Saha

Ferguson explained that he had been dropped for a major cup final in his playing career.

"It happened to me in the Scottish Cup final in 1965 and I was dropped at 10 past two." said the United boss, who was a Dunfermline player at the time.

Van Nistelrooy was one of the first United players to leave the pitch after the final and left the stadium without talking to the media.

Saha admitted that he was surprised by Ferguson's decision to play him.

"It was a bit strange to start," he said.

"I want to start every game. Sometimes the choice goes my way and other times it doesn't but thankfully I got the opportunity to play in a final.

"After my previous experiences in finals, it would have been great just to get a few minutes. I didn't feel any extra pressure because Ruud wasn't in the team.

"The most important thing is to remain focused as a group to make sure you win the game."

Ferguson said that the game was won by his side's quick goals early in the second half.

"We went for the second goal, which would hopefully win the game, but they had a chance straight after that and Edwin van der Sar made a great save from Henri Camara," he stated.

"The two quick goals won the game for us.

"Credit goes to Wigan because they had a go, they attacked us and had good opportunities in the last third of the field.

"We defended very well and when it comes to goal threats we have plenty in the side."

Ferguson hailed the display of man-of-the-match Wayne Rooney but also singled out Ryan Giggs for praise.

"I thought Ryan was absolutely fantastic," he said.

"When it comes to running up and down the line, there is no one to match him. He was very mature and controlled."