Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie: Rooney is world-class

30 Sep 2009 - 08:35:49

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney is on the cusp of confirming his arrival as one of the best players in world football.

The England striker has stepped up following Cristiano Ronaldo's summer departure from Old Trafford and has scored seven goals in nine appearances for the Red Devils this season.

Wednesday's Champions League clash with Wolfsburg will mark Rooney's 50th appearance in the competition and Ferguson is excited about his recent rise.

"He's blessed with certain ingredients that only great footballers have," he said.

"It's the determination and hunger to win every match, every time he goes on the field, every training session.

"He's blessed with that and it'll never change for him. They're wonderful things to take into football.

"We sometimes wonder with the criticism about what footballers get paid but when you see that effort he puts in, he's worth every penny he's paid because he plays as if he means it.

"There are some great footballers out there like Kaka, Ronaldo and (Lionel) Messi. They're the three best players in the world and Wayne could easily get to that level with the right progress."