Rooney ready as United end the spending
After accelerating the deal to bring Rooney to Old Trafford in the face of competition for the teenager’s signature from Newcastle, Ferguson took his spending since January to £50m following the additional arrivals of Louis Saha, Gabriel Heinze, Alan Smith and Liam Miller.
And he has been told by chief executive David Gill that funds for new signings will only be given in extreme circumstances as the Red Devils board look to counteract an anticipated £14m loss in TV revenue next year.
Gill announced a record operating profit of £58.3m before player trading for the year ended July 31 but warned of austere times ahead.
Meanwhile, Ferguson insists Rooney will feel right at home in the Champions League. The 18-year-old England striker has been named in the squad for the first time against Fenerbahce tonight with a debut in Europe’s premier club competition a good possibility.
Rooney was one of the stars of Euro 2004, helping England to the quarter- finals before breaking a bone in his foot in the last-eight clash with Portugal. However, that did not prevent Ferguson from securing his services from Everton.
Ferguson said: “I would not think Wayne would be fazed by playing in the Champions League, looking at him. If I had that doubt I would not have bought him. I am just mulling over whether to start him or put him on the bench.
“Maybe putting him on the bench would be the fairest thing to do. Nonetheless, he is going to be involved.”
Rooney has resumed full training and Ferguson has been delighted at the way the youngster has bedded in.
“He is an ordinary lad and has a good work ethic about him,” said the United boss.
“He has been impressive in training. He knows the English lads well. That’s a blessing and a good start.”
Ferguson says it is difficult to do much work on Rooney.
“Looking at him as an 18-year-old, I do not see where coaching comes in to it at this moment. He’s got a natural instinct for the game and a natural ability to play anywhere,” he said.
“He is two-footed, quick, aggressive and a good header of the ball. The great thing for a manager is potential and we will try to develop that potential.”
Ferguson, however, says it could be a few years before Rooney develops his full potential.
“In three to four years’ time we might see the full article. Then we can say this boy has been a great investment. The thing he has to get is consistency and there are things he needs to learn. One of those things is tactics. No player I know goes forward without practising.”
Midfielder Paul Scholes has been ruled out for two weeks with a groin strain but Gary Neville and Louis Saha have both returned to training. However, the two players are unlikely to be involved in the match against the Turkish side.
Fenerbahce opened their campaign by beating Sparta Prague, with former Notts Forest and Celtic striker Pierre van Hooijdonk scoring the winner, and Ferguson expects a tough game.
He said: “In a group issue it is vital you win your home games. We have done that quite well the last few years. Our home record is good.”
Ferguson is looking for a bit of payback as Fenerbahce were the first team to win at Old Trafford in European competitions when they chalked up a 1-0 victory in 1996.
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