Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Wayne Rooney has apologised after
ending a turbulent few days by agreeing a five-year contract with
Manchester United.
The announcement was made by the Old Trafford club on Friday
lunchtime, ending one of the most amazing weeks in their history,
which started with hints at unrest and included Rooney's own
concerns about the direction United were heading in.
"Wayne has apologised to me and the players," Ferguson told
Key103.
"He will also do so with the supporters."
The statement came at the end of a staggering 24-hour period,
which involved meetings between Ferguson, chief executive David
Gill, Rooney and his trusted advisor Paul Stretford, plus the
Glazer family.
Irate supporters gathered at Rooney's house in Prestbury on
Thursday night to express their concern, only to discover the
24-year-old is now set to stay at Old Trafford.
"Sometimes, when you're in a club, it can be hard to realise
just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the
last few days to make you understand," said Sir Ferguson.
"I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester
United is."
It barely seemed credible such a position could be arrived at so
quickly.
But the conciliatory nature of a holding statement from United
on Thursday night suggested rapprochement was in the offing.
And, after consultation with the owners, who allayed his fears
about the future direction of United, Rooney agreed to extend his
contract, which will now expire in 2015.
"It's been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage
is what we expect at Manchester United," said Ferguson.
"I said to the boy that the door is always open and I am
delighted Wayne has agreed to stay.
"I am pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger
players and establish himself as one of United's great players.
"It shows character and belief in what we stand for.
"I am sure everyone involved with the club will now get behind
Wayne and show him the support he needs to produce the performances
we know he is capable of."
Rooney recognises damage has been done, possibly inside the
dressing room and certainly with the fans who have regarded him as
one of their own since he first arrived from Everton in 2004.
He also understands the need to improve his form, which has
suffered so badly since he sustained an ankle injury against Bayern
Munich in March, the last time he scored a goal for his club in
open play.
"I am delighted to sign another deal at United," he said.
"In the last couple of days, I have talked to the manager and
the owners and they have convinced me this is where I belong.
"I said on Wednesday the manager is a genius and it is his
belief and support that have convinced me to stay.
"I am signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the
management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed
to making sure United maintains its proud winning history - which
is the reason I joined the club in the first place.
"I am sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by
what they have read and seen.
"But my position was from concern over the future.
"The fans have been brilliant with me since I arrived and it's
up to me through my performances to win them over again."
