Fergie's 25 years at United: Gaffer's team-talks give me chills reveals Rooney
Published 00:01 04/11/11 By David McDonnell
Wayne Rooney says Manchester United’s players are still blown away by Sir Alex Ferguson’s inspirational team-talks.
Rooney has been at United since 2004, but says he still gets amazed by the power of Fergie’s dressing-room speeches.
“Some of his team-talks are incredible,” said the striker. “You walk out onto the pitch and say to each other, ‘How good was that?’
“For the British players, who understand him, it’s incredible. It’s more difficult for the foreign lads to understand, but it gets you right up for the game.
“I don’t think that is something that can ever be replaced.”
Ferguson took over at United in 1986, when England star Rooney was just a one year old baby.
“All my childhood growing up, I was watching him on TV, doing interviews before and after games," he said. “To then come and play for him is a great honour.
"Reaching 25 years is a massive achievement. It’s incredible to be in charge of the same club that long and with all the success he’s had. That will never happen again.
“His hunger and desire are still the same. I’ve never seen anyone with his desire and passion.
“It rubs off, certainly on me, and I’m sure on all the other players.”
Rooney paid tribute to Ferguson’s enduring ability to change the playing personnel at United but still keep them at the top.
“He’s had maybe had three or four teams that have been really successful,” said Rooney. “To lose players, then build the team up again and be successful three or four times over is incredible.
“In 1994, the team had a lot of English and British players. Now there are a lot of foreign players and they probably won’t react the same if he has a go at them like the British players might.
“It’s probably a bit more difficult for them to take. That’s where his man-management comes in.
“It’s so good he understands the players he can have a go at and those who won’t take it that way.”
Ferguson talked Rooney into staying at United at the height of the striker’s contract stand-off in October 2010.
The player hints that no other manager would have been able to persuade him to stay.
“For me he’s a great manager and a great man,” said Rooney. “He’s the reason I signed here and a big reason why I’m still here.
“There were a few other different things - it wasn’t just the manager - but he was obviously the main part of why I’m still here.
“lt wouldn’t surprise me if he was here for another 10 years. His desire’s still there.
“I think he’ll be here for a long time yet.”
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