Speaking out about team matters for the first-time since retiring last May, former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson revealed his delight at the way Wayne Rooney is playing for the Red Devils.
Ahead of Sunday’s crunch Derby with Manchester City (11am ET, watch live on NBCSN and online via NBC Sports Live Extra) Rooney’s sensational form has given David Moyes a major boost.
(MORE – Preview: Manchester City vs. Manchester United)
Sir Alex was delighted to see Rooney amongst the goals in United’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, and the 4-2 Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
“Wayne was fantastic [against Bayer Leverkusen]. I’m pleased to see that,” Ferguson said. “He’s got his energy back, the determination, his purpose to attack. As a director, I’m delighted to see him back to what we always remember him.”
Speaking to United’s TV station, Ferguson is also pleased to see plenty of United’s other attackers chipping in and believes alongside Rooney’s resurgence, United have a great chance to kick on to defend their Premier League title.
“With [Robin] Van Persie and Rooney, there are forwards that can win games,” Ferguson said. “And [Antonio] Valencia’s back to his best.”
So, those are the first words from Ferguson as a director at United and it is quite telling to hear him praise Rooney, despite all of the rumors flying around about a high-profile bust-up between the pair, just prior to Ferguson’s retirement.
(MORE: Will Wayne Rooney become Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer?)
And the Scottish manager, who must be finding it hard to stay away from the action after 26 years in charge of United, will be watching on as a spectator during a Manchester Derby for the first-time in almost 30 years. As for his successor Moyes, the 50-year-old Scot has an incredible record against Man City while in charge at Everton. In 22 games against the Citizens, Moyes won 12, drew four and lost just six times.
He will be hoping that fine record against City carries over to his United career.
But back to Rooney, his importance cannot be underestimated, and in his past 25 games for the Red Devils he has scored 13 times and added 12 assists. Only Robin van Persie betters that record and RVP has played 13 games more than the England international. Following the summer-long transfer saga involving Rooney, United’s fans will be pleased to see him back focused on playing for the Old Trafford side and Ferguson is obviously over the moon.
With Sir Alex pleased, Rooney back in form and David Moyes keen to build on his good record against City, all signs are pointing towards a confident Manchester United strolling out of the tunnel at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon.
Over to you, Wayne.
