The striker came from the bench at half-time to score twice and create a third as United overcame a two-goal deficit to seal victory at Villa Park.

Ferguson cited a summer break as the main reason for the 24-year-old's recent run of good form, and admitted he will struggle to leave him out of the first team.

"He's fresh this season, he's had a good summer break, it's made a difference to him," he told reporters.

"When he came to us two years ago, that's what we were seeing more of today.

"And obviously, when you score a hat-trick you pick yourself, and I think he'll be playing next week."

In worse news for Ferguson, he revealed striker Wayne Rooney was in doubt for England's friendly with Sweden on Wednesday after coming off late with an ankle problem.

"He's got an ankle knock and has ice on it. We'll see how he is tomorrow," he told Sky Sports.

Villa boss Paul Lambert, meanwhile, said he was 'gutted' by the result, but said he could not have asked for more from his side.

"I'm absolutely gutted to lose because we gave everything we had," he told reporters.

"They kept on going right until the end. I couldn't fault them, and you could see that in the way the crowd reacted. They engaged with them.

"I couldn't ask for anything more from them. They do that week in, week out, and I'm really proud of what they've given me."