Man Utd through into the fifth round FA Cup with Rooney's great goal

Wayne Rooney kept his FA Cup dream alive with a superb brace to secure Manchester United's passage into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The England striker stepped off the bench switching Ole Gunnar Solsjaers to score in the 76th and 83rd minutes in the 2-1 victory against Portsmouth.

The first goal came from close range after a cross from Ryan Giggs.

The second goal was exquisite, a 20-yard chip that floated into the top of the net to seal the victory.

Kanu pulled a goal back for Portsmouth when he deflected in a Pedro Mendes shot - but the visitors ran out of time in their bid to force a replay.

The day belonged to Rooney, who has now scored three goals in two games after ending a barren spell by finding the target in the defeat by Arsenal at the weekend.

The 21-year-old England striker said: "The FA Cup is massive as far as I'm concerned.

"It's the one tournament I always looked at as a boy. I dreamt of playing in it and winning it.

"We went really close two years ago but lost to Arsenal on penalties. Hopefully I can get my hands on it this year."

Rooney admitted it had not been plain sailing against Portsmouth.

He said: "I am delighted with the win and glad we do not have to face them in a replay.

"Portsmouth kept going until the end and it was a nervous last five minutes.

"We needed to show a good response from last week and I am thrilled we managed to get the victory to keep progressing in the FA Cup."

On his goals, he said: "In a way I am more pleased with the first one than the second as I need to score easier ones.

"I'm pleased it's three in two games and I hope that will continue.

"I was looking for a pass but I couldn't see one so I tried a chip and fortunately it went in."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised Rooney for his contribution, especially his second goal.

"It was one of imagination and audacity," said the Old Trafford boss.

"Wayne brightened up the place when he came on.

"If he gets a scoring run like he did last season it will make some difference to us."

United twice had "goals" disallowed - Nemanja Vidic's header appeared to cross the line before it was cleared by Mendes, while a superb volley from Henrik Larsson found the net only for an offside flag to make sure it did not count.

However United got their rewards and Ferguson said: "We kept the pace and tempo when Portsmouth started to tire.

"I always thought we were in control of the game and in the second half we got into top gear.

"With the experience Portsmouth had in the team it was never going to be easy.

"But I'm pleased we're through to the next round and a home draw is all you can hope for."

Cristiano Ronaldo will come into contention against Watford on Wednesday after being given a break while Louis Saha could also come into contention after sitting out today's game because of a slight knee problem.

Portsmouth coach Joe Jordan, a former United striker, admitted Rooney had been the difference between the two teams.

He said: "Rooney scored both goals and he is a quality player, we can all see that.

"The second goal was exceptional in the manner it was taken but also vital to Manchester United in that it killed the game.

"At 1-0 we were still in the match but that goal put the tie beyond us.

"We were pretty comfortable up until the first goal but I can't fault the players for their attitude. We put a lot of work in."