Source: Daily_Mail
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson opens up on Rooney, retirement and results
Backlash: Rooney almost walked out on United[LNB]Given the difficult and protracted nature of Wayne Rooney's recent contract negotiations with Manchester United, it would seem imperative that he is allowed to settle back in to life at Old Trafford with as little fuss as possible.[LNB]Nevertheless, Sir Alex Ferguson seems determined to continue his assault on the 25- year-old striker's agent Paul Stretford for the part he believes he played in turning Rooney's head away from Old Trafford.[LNB]Rooney is back in the northwest after a week of fitness work in America and is pushing hard for his first United start since the end of September.[LNB]Ferguson, though, returned to one of his favourite themes yesterday as he addressed a press conference in Qatar, where he is assisting with their bid for the 2022 World Cup.[LNB]Referring to Rooney's decision last month to briefly consider a move, the United manager said: 'You don't necessarily have to heed advice after listening to it. Some young people take bad advice. He has an agent who is not the most popular man in the world - certainly not at our club - and he obviously sold it to Wayne to ask away.[LNB]'The boy rushed in. But the minute he heard the response of the public and our supporters, he changed his mind, he knew he'd made a mistake.[LNB]'There's nothing wrong with that as long as you recognise it. He immediately apologised and agreed a new contract within a couple of hours.[LNB]'It wasn't done to get the contract, I don't think that for a minute. But maybe he should have listened to better advice. 'I think what we want is Wayne back to his best. When that happens I think everyone will be OK.'[LNB]Ferguson has now publicly criticised Stretford three times since the saga began, despite the fact that the Cheshire based agent has previously helped the United manager buy and sell several players.[LNB]Last night Stretford was aware of Ferguson's comments but his spokesman Ian Monk said: 'At this stage it is not appropriate to comment.'[LNB] Frank: Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson speaks his mind at a news conference in Doha[LNB]Rooney's relationship with his agent stretches back to his latter days at Everton and Ferguson is taking a calculated risk by refusing to let the matter lie.[LNB]Asked about Rooney's fitness after his time in the USA, Ferguson said: 'Wayne has had a good week in Oregon. He's done well. Now, he's back and he will train today.[LNB]'We have to assess if he ready to get into the first team. That is an area which I couldn't give you an answer to you because the only evidence we will have is on the training field and I'll see that tomorrow.'[LNB]After the midweek internationals, United return to League action on Saturday - at home to Wigan - wondering just how they remain in such a good position. Despite drawing seven League games from 13, they are only three points behind leaders Chelsea.[LNB]Ferguson admitted: 'I don't know how we are still unbeaten. We should have lost by six against Villa at the weekend but in a way it was great because it was a reflection of what I have always believed in: when you give young people a chance they never disappoint you. That's what Villa did, they tore into us and had a fantastic belief in themselves. But we have a great group of young players at the club. We tend to go for younger players before older ones because they give you more loyalty.'[LNB] Rescue mission: Nemanja Vidic (centre) celebrates after helping United salvage a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa[LNB]In a week when United's owners have annoyed supporters by refusing to reveal how they have managed to pay off a £220m loan secured against the club, Ferguson reiterated that he is comfortable working with the Glazers. 'They have never bothered me or interfered with my job,' he said. 'I'm probably in a privileged position.'[LNB]What's more, the 68-year-old Scot also gave his firmest indication yet that he intends to carry on in his role beyond the end of the season.[LNB]'I'm in no mood for it,' he said when asked about retirement.[LNB]'As long as my health is good I intend to carry on. If my health deteriorated it would be different but retirement is for young people - they can do something else. If I get off that treadmill where do you think I'd go? Only one way, down.'[LNB]Ferguson addressed a range of topics yesterday and - as is often the case when addressing foreign media - was open and frank. He admitted that he would like to have managed Barcelona as a younger man and was again drawn in to commenting on Manchester City.[LNB]Ferguson said: 'You buy success if the structure is right. They've bought some good players, no question, but building spirit is not easy when a collection of different individuals come into the dressing room.[LNB]'It's a big challenge, it's not easy.'[LNB]Today, back in Manchester, Ferguson is due to work on the training field with Rooney for the first time in almost a month. After all that has been said and done, that may represent something of a challenge in itself. [LNB] Fergie: Some United players cry in the dressing room. Not Bryan RobsonRooney set for fitness test as United ponder unleashing him on Wigan Just where did you find £220m? Glazers leave United fans in the dark[LNB] Explore more:People: Wayne Rooney, Alex Ferguson, Paul Stretford Places: Manchester, Barcelona, Qatar, America
