Source: Telegraph
Sir Alex Ferguson puts his faith in Wayne Rooney's courage for explosive encounter
A man who has experienced so much during more than a half-century in the professional game, who has worked with so many footballers, Ferguson would not lightly offer up an adjective like 'great''. He is simply stating what he sees as a matter of fact: 'great'' forwards like Rooney possess 'courage''. Ferguson also knows such praise will not go to his star player's head, that the fire will continue to burn brightly within his gifted but grounded No 10. [LNB]So much comment is being passed on Rooney, the player of the season so far, that it was vital to hear the verdict of the man who knows him best as a player. Ferguson's perception of 'courage'' embraces self-belief and strength of mind and body, traits readily apparent in Rooney's movement from first whistle to last. [LNB]Manchester United v Liverpool: Sir Alex Ferguson understands Wayne RooneyRooney has the mettle to play with his back to goal if required, to take the hits from centre-halves. He has the faith in his first touch to keep demanding the ball, however tight the space. He chases loose balls and lost causes without hesitation. He makes mistakes but never hides, missing a sitter before knocking Manchester City out of the Carling Cup. Even if Cesc Fabregas and Arsenal appropriate the ball for long periods of the latest ''Biggest Game Of The Season'' on Sunday Rooney will lead the resistance. [LNB]'All the greatest strikers have needed courage,'' reflected Ferguson, pausing before training at Carrington on Friday. 'That's the one great component of their game they must have. Wayne has got that courage to play against modern-day defenders.'' [LNB]Trusting in his striker's character, Ferguson has had no compunction fielding Rooney as an out-and-out forward, a particularly profitable move against City. 'We feel he is best as high up the pitch as possible because he has the strength, energy and courage to run in between players, run beyond players, to hold players off. And he's always had great stamina. He's blessed in that respect. His tests have always been top.'' [LNB]Ferguson mentioned his squad contained some 'fantastic athletes'', name-checking Darren Fletcher, Antonio Valencia, Nani, Patrice Evra and Darron Gibson. Asked whether Rooney might also prosper as a box-to-box midfielder because of that lung-power, Ferguson replied: 'He could play there. He thinks he's a centre-half!'' [LNB]Different players occupying different positions, Rooney and Fabregas could still share the spotlight at the Emirates, an Anglo-Spanish duel that could find a summer echo on the veld. 'They are two of the best players,'' agreed Ferguson, before stressing, 'but it is a league full of great players. Wayne has hit that great form now. Fabregas has always been the important player for Arsenal for the last few years.'' [LNB]Arsenal's tempo-setter will need to escape the attentions of Fletcher, a hard-working midfielder slated by Arsène Wenger for being 'anti-football'' when the sides collided at Old Trafford in August. [LNB]Ferguson and Wenger are presently on good terms but United's manager remains annoyed at the Frenchman's denigration of Fletcher. [LNB]'I think that's where Arsène lets himself down. It's disappointing. I don't think he really believes that. Everyone knows Fletcher is not a dirty player, not a physical player. He's not built that way but he can win the ball because his timing and energy to get to the ball are fantastic. That's a great part of the game, being able to tackle properly, and he does tackle properly. [LNB]'He's competitive and there's not many players who run off the ball as well as him. His movement, energy and commitment every game is wonderful to see. He must run more than anyone and when the team needs the ball he moves; he reminds me of Brian McClair in that way. Darren is not a 'stylish' player by any means. He is ungainly and gangly but he is a fantastic player.'' The will to win of Fletcher and Rooney will be tested tomorrow. [LNB]Wenger's men are in good form and any encounter between Arsenal and United tends to mimic the meeting of nitro and glycerine. Past skirmishes have brought everything from point deductions to fines, slanging matches to flying pizza. When Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira were in their spiky prime, the teams did not even wait for the match to start one year, squaring up in the tunnel. [LNB]The individuals involved now are less combustible but the stakes remain high. 'Arsenal's history will always guarantee you a challenge and they are back in the fray again,'' Ferguson said. 'It's the biggest game of the bloody season for me.'' [LNB]United's manager hopes both sets of fans refrain from their less savoury chants. Wenger endures a particularly pernicious taunt from United fans. Two seasons ago, Ferguson complained after Arsenal supporters shouted 'Taggart'' at him. Arsenal placed a couple of extra stewards behind the away dugout, which for reasons of architectural aesthetics and the fans' view is unprotected. Harry Redknapp has withstood some unpleasant barbs while Phil Brown was called 'Tango Man''. [LNB]'Sometimes I can't hear these chants but I know there's been some terrible abuse from our fans to Arsene,'' Ferguson continued. 'There must be a line drawn and they must know that themselves. Our supporters showed on Wednesday that there's none better.'' [LNB]United fans will be in good voice at the Emirates but the champions need to keep the pressure on Chelsea. 'It's a very, very competitive league. I wouldn't say we're certain to win the league or Chelsea are certain or Arsenal are certain. We all have a chance.'' [LNB]Ferguson has still to 'decide if we appeal'' Rio Ferdinand's four-game ban, although the champions are aggrieved at what they perceive is a lack of consistency. 'I watched Charlton and Leyton Orient the other night and the Orient goal came after an elbow on the Charlton player three times and nothing happened, so there's a lot of confusion in terms of these decisions.'' [LNB]Ferguson added that he had signed Fulham's Chris Smalling 'because he's got outstanding potential, got terrific height, good balance and he's quick''. United's manager insisted that Anderson, omitted recently, 'will be in the squad'' on Sunday when all eyes will be on Ferguson's 'great' striker, Wayne Rooney. [LNB]
