Wayne Rooney has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson for the vital role he played in his career and made it clear that he hopes to stay at Manchester United for at least another five years.
Rooney’s future at Old Trafford was the subject of intense scrutiny during Ferguson’s final season in charge and the manager revealed after his last home match at the United helm in May 2013 that the striker had requested a transfer.
However, Rooney, who stayed at United and has now been made captain by Louis van Gaal, insists he is thankful to Ferguson for everything he did for him.
He regards the legendary Scot as the greatest ever manager and was honoured that he wanted to sign him from Everton.
"He was vitally important,” Rooney told MUTV in an interview to mark his 10 years at the club. “I’m grateful to him for having the faith to bring me in from Everton.
"I think he’s an incredible person and manager, the way you see his desire for the game. He certainly helped me a lot and helped us all.
"At the time I was coming into the squad as a young lad and there were a few other young lads. He brought all that together and made us world (club) champions. I’m very grateful for everything he’s done.”
Looking back at his switch from Everton in 2004, Rooney added: “It was a great feeling. Sir Alex is the best manager there’s been and for him to recognise my talent and want me to join this club was a great honour for me.
"I’m a strong-minded person and sometimes you have to make tough decisions. No-one else could make it for me.
"It was down to me whether I left Everton and I made my agent aware and told my parents that I was going to join Manchester United. I had no regrets doing that.”
Rooney is now 28 and insists he is as happy as ever at the club, having penned a new five-and-a-half-year deal back in February.
Speaking about staying at the club until 2019, he said: “I hope so. I think the plan is I’ve just signed new long-term deal at the club and hopefully in five years’ time we’ll be sat down for a 15-year one (interview). I don’t see any reason why not.”
