Wayne Rooney: Alex Ferguson is the master motivator

Posted Friday, November 04, 2011 by The Sun

WAYNE ROONEY has had plenty of moments to remember on the pitch during Alex Ferguson's Manchester United reign.

But it is what the boss says before his stars even step over that white line that stands out for him.

As a motivator of men, Rooney believes the Scot cannot be equalled and will never be surpassed.

Roo revealed: "Some of his team talks... you walk out on the pitch and you say to each other 'How good was that?'

"For the British players who understand him, it is incredible. It's more difficult for the foreign lads to understand.

"But it gets you right up for the game and I don't really think that is something that can ever be replaced."

Ferguson signed Rooney from Everton in August 2004 and then, just over a year ago, made sure he stayed at United when the England striker claimed he wanted out.

Rooney, 26, added: "For me, he's a great manager and a great man. He is the reason I signed and a big reason why I'm still here."

The England star shakes his head at the thought he was still in nappies when Ferguson took charge of United 25 years ago.

Roo said: "He has been in charge of United since I was one year old.

"All my childhood and growing up, you watched him on TV, doing interviews before and after games. Then to come and play for him is a great honour."

Ferguson will be 70 on New Year's Eve, yet Rooney can still see the boss being in charge when his own playing days are coming to an end.

He insisted: "No, it wouldn't surprise me if he was here another 10 years. His hunger and desire are still the same.

"I've never seen anyone with his desire and passion. It rubs off, certainly on me and I'm sure on all the other players.

"What he has done, not just for Manchester United but the game of football, is amazing. In my estimation, he's the best of the lot."

Ferguson has managed to sustain success by constantly building new teams to keep United at the top.

Rooney stated: "He has had maybe three or four teams which have been successful.

"To lose players, then build the team up again and be successful three or four times over, is incredible."

Ferguson has had to use all his managerial skills this season.

Recently he has got the side back on course with three wins and no goals conceded following their 6-1 derby drubbing at Old Trafford.

Rooney said: "We have done well since the derby. We beat Aldershot, had a difficult game at Everton and now have won in Europe. After that disappointment we have bounced back well.

"The derby was hard to take, to lose by that scoreline and in the manner we did. But we know it is a long season."

Ferguson played Rooney in a central midfield role on Wednesday night as United beat Otelul Galati 2-0.

The player revelled in it, won praise from his boss and believes that position could be an option towards the end of his career.

Rooney admitted: "It is probably a role I could enjoy in the future when I lose a bit of pace.

"It's a role the manager needs me to do at the minute and I enjoy it. I played there as a young lad. Having watched my team-mates, I understand the role."

Next up it is Sunderland at Old Trafford tomorrow, when 76,000 will cheer Ferguson's every step from tunnel to dugout.

Rooney said: "It's incredible, 25 years in charge of the same club and the success he's had. It'll never happen again, I'm sure."