One of the most eagerly anticipated chapters of Sir Alex Ferguson’s biography was the one focusing on Wayne Rooney and on the Scotsman’s turbulent relationship with the United striker.
As expected Fergie pulled no punches, claiming that Rooney’s qualities can be undermined by a lack of fitness and that the United striker did ask to leave at the end of last season, despite the denials the club has since issued to protect one of his prized assets.
“He [Rooney] has great qualities about him but they could be swallowed up by a lack of fitness. Look at the way Ronaldo or Giggs looked after themselves,” writes Fergie in his book.
“I was convinced that Wayne would not be ready after his metatarsal. Beckham was very fit, the fittest guy at the club. I knew he could come back after his metatarsal. But I knew Wayne took a lot to get fit enough, he’s a big guy, big build.”
On the topic of Rooney’s transfer request, Fergie is categorical in his book, claiming that the United striker, who complained about being played out of position by his manager last season, went to see Ferguson the day after United had clinched their 20th title by beating Aston Villa 3-0 and complained about a lack of playing time.
“He came into my office the day after we won the league and asked away,” Ferguson writes, adding that Rooney’s agent Paul Stretford then spoke to chief executive David Gill about a transfer for his client, who has always denied handing in a transfer request.
At yesterday’s press conference Ferguson admitted Rooney’s form has improved since returning to the side this year: “A lot has been made of this. Wayne came to me and asked away. The fact is Wayne wasn’t playing well. But do you think I would have dropped him in the form he is in now? No way. Now we see a different player, a fantastic player.”
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