Owen's clinical strike cancelled out an early James Milner penalty with another Wayne Rooney header giving United the trophy.

Owen looked sharp before limping off with a hamstring injury towards the end of the first half.

Afterwards he insisted he was not giving too much thought to going to South Africa this summer.

He told BBC One: "It was great to win, great to score, great to play a part, just soured by getting a hamstring injury.

"It's the first injury I have had since I have been at United but it's been a good day.

"I didn't think about who was watching. I know a lot of people have been getting their knickers in a twist about it (his chances of being in the World Cup squad). But I just want to play well for Man United. If I go then great, if I don't then it gives someone else a chance."

The only controversial moment during the afternoon was the challenge from Nemanja Vidic on Gabriel Agbonlahor which led to Villa's penalty.

Vidic was the last man but referee Phil Dowd neglected to show the Serbia international even a yellow card.

Vidic claimed the official had got it right.

He said: "I can react better but Agbonlahor did well.

"I don't think it was a red card because I got in front of him, not behind. If I had got behind then yes.

"It's always nice to win big games but it was hard. They played with two forwards but I thought we deserved it."

Villa defender Richard Dunne refused to blame the decision for their defeat.

"It's very disappointing but we gave it a good go," he said.

"It was a great start, that was what we wanted to do - to get in front and try and hold on. But I made a mistake and after that it was tough.

"Unfortunately it wasn't our day."

On the possible sending-off, he added: "Possibly, but the game went on and it was an even game all the way through.

"They got a man sent off at Villa Park and it didn't make any difference. It was probably better to play against 11, it made it more enjoyable."

Matchwinner Rooney said: "It's a great feeling to play in the final at Wembley and score the winning goal. I am delighted and I think all the players who played in the competition should feel very proud of themselves."

Villa boss Martin O'Neill could not understand the decision not to dismiss Vidic.

"I think it would be universally accepted they should have been down to 10 men," O'Neill told BBC One. "There's no other decision to make.

"It's not a good decision by an otherwise fine referee.

"It's the major point of the match.

"In two or three weeks it's forgotten and the trophy's on their mantelpiece, but it's a poor decision."

O'Neill backed his side to recover from the disappointment and book another Wembley date in the FA Cup final.

"It's hard to take," he said. "I thought we played splendidly, particularly in the first half, and got in front.

"Manchester United got the equaliser but at half-time I felt we were very, very capable of winning.

"I'm disappointed for the team but they're resilient, they're strong, they're young and they'll fight back."

He added: "We felt we were capable no matter what side they played. We have to try and get back here again in May because it's a worthwhile journey."