Ferguson marvels at Rooney magic

12 April 2012

Wayne Rooney comes of age on Tuesday with Sir Alex Ferguson claiming the youngster has always been destined for greatness.

Even at the tender age of 21, Rooney has managed to make more of an impact that most professionals of a more seasoned vintage. Rooney's career is littered with moments of pure stellar quality and, despite a recent blip, nothing looks likely to prevent him proving correct Ferguson's assertion that the Croxteth Terror is the finest talent to emerge from these shores in 30 years.

"When we signed him at 18, everyone said what will he be like at 21. Now he is 21 people say what will he be like at 25," observed the United chief. "It was always destined to be that way I guess because Wayne is truly blessed. He doesn't just have ability, he has a fire inside him, like a lot of young lads who have come into our team."

He added: "Ryan Giggs was the same. But whereas Ryan was only a slip of a lad when he came into the side at 16, we have never needed to nurse Wayne because he has such a phenomenal physique."

Although Rooney has frequently found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons, his misdemeanours are totally overshadowed by the performances he produces so often wearing the red of United and the white of England.

Whether he is relentlessly chasing down the opposition, dropping deep to set off attacks or lashing home one of those thunderbolt goals which have sadly not been seen that often in recent times, Rooney is a man people would pay money to watch, a rare breed in the modern game.

If Ferguson's decision to hand him the United captaincy against Copenhagen last week is any guide, Rooney has also developed an inner maturity which allows him to galvanise those around him.

"His enthusiasm is an inspiration to everybody," said Ferguson.

"I don't leave him out too much now because when I have he has generally had a face like fizz. That is the kind of character he is.

"He demonstrates that great hunger and desire all the time. Without doubt, he is the best 21-year-old I have ever had."

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