It’s either Ferguson’s way or the highway

FOOTBALL FOCUS
As the drama at Manchester United unfolded over the week, things seemed to be getting unstuck for the premier English football brand. Rumours in the media found authentication from a flabbergasted Alex Ferguson that Wayne Rooney wanted out. The ace striker too released a statement, stating United’s lack of ambition as the reason behind his failure to extend his contract.
Surely the differences were too big to be bridged, or they seemed to be, and a January move seemed a mere formality, with United cashing in on their most prized asset. At this point, the legendary Ferguson stepped into the fray. The Scotsman pulled off a masterstroke and in a dramatic turn of events, Rooney committed his future to the club till 2015.
Ferguson’s immaculate handling of the affair combined with his composed demeanour has sent out a strong message to the doubters: even at 68, his determination and will to succeed remains undimmed. And he is not to be messed around with. Fergie’s demolition of Rooney in his pre-match conference on Tuesday would have sent shock waves across Manchester. The crafty and incisive fashion in which the United boss went about addressing the Rooney saga meant that the ex-Everton striker was seen by all as the villain worthy of no sympathy.
The British media unanimously sided with Ferguson and fellow managers and the United players stood right behind him. Meanwhile, a cornered Rooney was left to manage things on his own. The episode highlighted the obvious reality: Sir Alex Ferguson is an institution in British football, even the English Football Association tries to avoid any confrontation with him and as a player you better rethink your future before taking him on.
Over the years, the gaffer has made no secret of his no-nonsense policy and has come down hard on anyone showing disrespect to him or his club. Those who have fallen out with him in the past, including the likes of Jaab Stam, David Beckham and Roy Keane, have been shown the exit, with most never attaining their best form ever.
For Fergie, nobody is bigger than Manchester United; an orientation that many believe has been instrumental in the success of the club. You can think long and hard over the reasons behind Rooney’s initial refusal to sign an extension but the mystery never ceases to baffle you. Rooney accused United’s transfer policy and a lack of ambition on the part of the club owners and management as the sole reason behind him having doubts on his future with the club. But one finds his rationale a little too far fetched.
While there may have been concerns over the lack of investment by the Glazers and their huge interest repayments resulting in profits of the club being drained away. Revenue obtained from Ronaldo’s record sale to Real Madrid has also not been used to strengthen the squad with big name signings. But since the Glazers took control of the club in 2005, United have notched three Premier League titles to go along with the Champions League crown and an array of domestic cups.
Even last season, the Red Devils gave a tough time to moneybags Chelsea in the title race, falling short by just one point. Clearly, there is no way Rooney can question the club’s lack of ambition and expect people to believe his argument. The use of the situation as a negotiating ploy by the Rooney camp to demand higher wages cannot be ruled out.
If that was indeed the case “Wazza”, as he is called by teammates, would never have expected the whole issue to get so out of hand before his wish was granted by the United management. The other probable scenario that one can plausibly imagine, leading to this saga could have been a rift between Rooney and Ferguson that prompted the England striker to make contradictory remarks over his ankle injury.
His comments, coming after England’s qualifier against Montenegro, showed naivety and lack of level-headedness on his part. Surely, as former United greats will tell you, taking your frustration out at the expense of Ferguson is not the best of ideas.
Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are perfect examples for someone like Rooney trying to harbour a smooth relationship with Ferguson. The two players, part of United’s golden generation, have always minded their own business and simply followed the Scot’s lead to become the most decorated players in English football.
The duo would have seen several of Fergie’s ‘hairdryer’ treatments but getting along with the gaffer has eventually paid off huge dividends. Probably Rooney too has gotten his reminder just in the nick of time. And maybe he would stand to benefit from it.