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Ferguson defends Wayne Rooney after red card

Comment: 0 October 12th, 2011 by: admin

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson stepped up to defend Wayne Rooney, insisting the player’s discipline has shown improvement.

According to Fergie, Rooney – who was sent off during a 2-2 game with Montenegro – has shown tremendous self-control, and his temper has been more favourable during the recent seasons.

‘I think Wayne has shown tremendous improvement in terms of his temperament, his reaction to tackles and things like that over the past few years,’ said Ferguson.

The manager continued to say that the 25-year old’s development of a more mature attitude has been continuous.

‘As maturity comes it brings other things,’ he said.  ‘It brings responsibility and I think he’s improving all the time.’

Rooney’s red card incident saw him twice kicking Montenegro’s Miodrag Dzudovic after losing possession in the 73^rd minute of the Euro 2012 qualifying match.

The incident resulted in the usual 2-game suspension, which may increase in severity should UEFA think it appropriate.

Addressing the red card incident, Ferguson described it simply as a reflex reaction.

‘It was one of these – how would you put it? – reflex actions by the boy.  He’s been tackled and he’s reacted.  He’s got the fiery temper, you know, which I don’t think is the worst thing in the world.’

Ferguson revealed that he had not been able to see the actual incident, nor had he spoken to Rooney about it.

‘I texted him but he’s not got back to me,’ said the manager.  ‘He’ll be disappointed.  I didn’t see it, I haven’t seen it at all.’

Right before the incident reporters broke the news of the arrest of Rooney’s father and uncle (among eight other men) over suspicious betting activity in a Scottish Premier League match.

When asked if the stress could have been a contributing factor to the striker’s behaviour, Fergie simply replied ‘I don’t know.  I’ve no idea.  It’s difficult to say with these things.’

Rooney returns to training at Manchester United for their upcoming Premier League match against hosts Liverpool.

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