You expect Alex Ferguson might have made two telephone calls on Saturday night. One to have had a bit of a laugh with his son Darren about his red card for, believe it or not, questioning a refereeing decision. The other phone call would have been to Wayne Rooney after one of the most mature performances the young England star has ever produced for his country. At a time when striker Rooney was under the most intense spotlight, he showed he doesn’t have to play on the edge to be in a class of his own. Best of all for the Manchester United manager was the conclusion that if Rooney can carry England as he did at Wembley, then he can do the same with his club. And that when hostilities resume next weekend, the Scouser will be the deciding factor when it comes to the championship race. That he can be the man who finally ends Liverpool’s hopes of a first title in 19 years.
All the talk had been about United’s stunning collapse, the fall-out between Rooney and his manager and his subsequent sending off at Fulham. But here we have a player who does not concern himself with matters like these. Responsibility, leadership, an example to everyone on the pitch and all the young kids in the crowd. He CAN do it. And this is exactly what Ferguson needs above everything else when Rooney returns to Old Trafford.
Sources: Steven Howard, The Sun
