Sir Alex Ferguson backed Wayne Rooney after the
unsightly side of the striker’s game reared its ugly head in
Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs.
Rooney lost his cool as the Chiefs frustrated United for long
periods in their first tour match out in South Africa, and he can
consider himself lucky not to have been sent off.
Twice the England man petulantly kicked out at an opponent, but
Ferguson claims Rooney did nothing wrong.
"He is learning how to control himself and it (the challenge)
was next to nothing,” stated the United manager.
"I do not think he was out of order in this instance."
Gary Neville was also responsible for an illegal challenge,
producing the trip that led to Kaizer Chiefs’ penalty, but Ferguson
was full of praise for the veteran defender.
"Obviously his tackling has not improved," quipped the Scot.
"Gary's enthusiasm and speed of play was quite phenomenal. I am
very pleased and he is a remarkable man.
"Anyone who has played football knows that when you get to your
30s and been out of the game for 16 months, your comeback is very,
very difficult. You have to give him a lot of credit."
