Wayne Rooney knew he had made a mistake, says Sir Alex

(Photo: Ryu Voelkel)

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney quickly realised he had made a mistake after declaring his intent to leave Manchester United.

The United boss claims the uproar amongst United supporters following news of the England star’s intentions to quit Old Trafford caused him to soon recognise he was on the verge of making a decision he would later regret.

At the time, the 25-year-old striker said he thought United were unable to match his ambition and refused to pen a new deal with the Red Devils. But following intense discussions and days of speculation Rooney eventually signed a new five-year contract at Old Trafford.

Ferguson, who signed Rooney from Everton for £25m in 2004, suggests the saga unfolded because the striker was not appropriately advised.

“You don’t necessarily have to heed advice after listening to it,” said the Manchester United manager.

“Some young people take bad advice. He has an agent who is not the most popular man in the world and he obviously sold it to Wayne to ask away. The boy rushed in.”

Ferguson said the response of the supporters helped crystallise the mistake the former Everton striker was making.

“The minute he heard the response of the public and our supporters, he changed his mind, he knew he’d made a mistake,” said Ferguson.

“There’s nothing wrong with that as long as you recognise it. He immediately apologised and agreed a new contract within a couple of hours.”

He added: “It wasn’t done to get the contract, I don’t think that for a minute. But maybe he should have listened to better advice.”