Source: Daily_Mail
Sir Alex dismisses Rooney's chances of becoming a future United captain
Wayne Rooney is unlikely to be a future skipper of Manchester United, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Rooney has spoken of his ambition to be be a captain but his United manager believes defenders or midfielders are best suited to lead the side.
Wayne Rooney
On fire: Wayne Rooney has been in sizzling form for Man United
Ferguson said: 'I think it's difficult for a centre-forward to be a captain. There have been very few in my time. Eric Cantona was captain because he was such an influence to young players.
'That was the reason we did that, they idolised him and Eric had a part to play. He was a good captain for that reason but normally you would look at midfielders or defenders.
'Wayne will always take responsibility, he has a natural desire for that and will always give you 100 per cent. They are constant traits in the boy.'
Sir Alex Ferguson
Views: Sir Alex Ferguson
Ferguson thinks the best is yet to come from Rooney, 23, who is England's leading goalscorer in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
He said: 'The final part of a player's development is when he is about 25. That's when they play with authority, adding timing and calmness to their game.
'When I was a player aged 21 or 22, I was nothing near the complete article. There was something missing from my game that only experience would bring.
'A few years later I felt I had that authority. This will be the same for Wayne and all young players. The problem with any younger players is when we talk about potential.
'I've had some players who say they have potential at 30 years of age. It's a bit late then, isn't it? Looking at Rooney, the desire he has, his energy and enthusiasm.
'The best way to gain maturity is to grow older. The boy hasn't lost the parts that make him a great player. Sometimes a player comes out of his young years and changes and not always for the better. That won't happen with Wayne.'
