It was is simply an amazing turnaround, Wayne Rooney this morning signed a new 5-year contract with Manchester United that will make him the highest paid player in United history.
It is a remarkable turnaround for a player who earlier in the week was saying that Man Utd was not ambitious enough for him.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s comments today were much kinder than his comments earlier in the week:
“It’s been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United. I said to the boy that the door is always open and I’m delighted Wayne has agreed to stay. 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. I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is. I’m 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’m 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.”
Wayne Rooney took the first step in repairing the damage with the United fans saying:
“I said on Wednesday the manager’s a genius and it’s his belief and support that convinced me to stay. I’m delighted to sign another deal at United. I’ve spoken to the manager and the owners and they’ve convinced me this is where I belong. 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.”
My belief is that the Rooney camp got cold feet after the universal condemnation of his statement on Tuesday. I don’t for a second believe that he doesn’t still think that same way. You don’t talk to Real Madrid unless you are looking to change clubs. But it has not been a good few months for “Brand Rooney”, and walking out on Man United tarnishes the brand further, it doesn’t enhance it.
Rooney is expected to be out another three weeks with his latest ankle injury and it will be interesting to see what kind if reaction he gets from the United fan upon his return
