Source: Daily_Mail
Wayne Rooney ready to be Mancehster United's true leader - Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson feels Wayne Rooney is ready to become a real leader at Manchester United. [LNB] Rooney heads into this afternoon's Premier League duel with Chelsea on the back of successive hat-tricks, part of an eight-goal haul that has shot him into an early lead in the battle to claim this season's Golden Boot prize. [LNB]The 25-year-old also scored twice on England duty earlier this month, further evidence he is now completely out of the form dip that lasted nearly 12 months, including a miserable World Cup. [LNB] Wayne's world class: Wayne Rooney (centre) is back to his very best form[LNB] And Ferguson feels Rooney can now assume wider responsibilities in a youthful United side, which at times averages just 23 years of age. [LNB]'He is playing with a zest and energy that has taken him to new heights,' Ferguson told United Review. 'Energy burns in him. But there is also a maturity to his football now that is of tremendous benefit to the team. [LNB]'Wayne is ready now to take his career up a further notch and become a leader himself. [LNB]'He has already put a marker down on a personal level but now he can assume greater responsibility, and I see his colleagues responding.'[LNB] Ferguson is refusing to take anything for granted, despite his side's flying start, which has seen them score a record 18 goals in a 100 per cent start to their first four matches. [LNB] The magic number: Rooney has hit back to back Premier League hat-tricks[LNB]However, it is form the United manager claims never to have experienced before. And he feels the standard has been set for another productive campaign. [LNB]'It is breaking new ground for me, and to say that at this stage of a fairly lengthy career is really something,' he said. 'I am excited. And why not? Because we have been privy to something rather special. [LNB]'Of course, you can't help wondering if it is going to last and after a lifetime in the game, football has taught me that there is often a banana skin around the corner. [LNB]'But while accepting that our present form is exceptional, I can't help but feel that this season is going to be good for Manchester United.'[LNB] Fergie will tell Man United hierarchy to let Mourinho succeed himManchester City defender Joleon Lescott: We know we can beat United nowSmalling backs speedy Mata to liven up Chelsea's 'slow' attackAll the latest Manchester United FC news, features and opinion [LNB]
