Sir Alex Ferguson Had Strict England Rule for Man Utd Players on International Duty

Former England striker Wayne Rooney has claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson used to try to implement a strict rule for Manchester United players taking part in international fixtures.

Rooney, 39, scored 53 goals in 120 appearances for England – the second most strikes of any player behind current captain Harry Kane.

The Liverpudlian is also second on the list of players with the most appearances behind Peter Shilton, who boasts 125 appearances for his country.

And despite Rooney being a pivotal part of the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ during the mid-2000s, then-United boss Ferguson was not always happy with his players’ involvement in international football.

Despite having previously played for and managed the Scotland national team, Ferguson was not a fan of releasing his players for international duty.

Back in 2013, the Scot claimed that “international football interferes with the clubs’ ambitions”.

Ferguson was particularly annoyed at the inclusion of friendly fixtures in the football calendar - although he claimed to have “no issues” with the competitive part.

Sir Alex Ferguson was not afraid to lay down the law at Man United (Credit:Getty)

There was previously speculation that Ferguson used to put pressure on Ryan Giggs to miss Wales friendlies during his playing career, but the former winger has since denied this.

Now, Rooney has opened up about the rule Ferguson used to try and make United players follow while playing for their respective countries.

Speaking on ‘The Wayne Rooney Show’, the former striker revealed that Ferguson would even speak to the England manager and tell them that his players should play “no more than 45 minutes”.

Rooney said: "I always remember Sir Alex Ferguson before we'd go in for some of the games, I'm sure he'd speak to the England manager as well. He'd be like: 'Right, you, no more than 45 minutes. Make sure you come off after 45 minutes or you only play 45 minutes.'

Wayne Rooney in action for England (Credit:Getty)

"So, I'd get to England and I'd be like: 'Boss, I want to play 90 minutes. I want to play the full game, don't take me off,' because I used to love playing. Some players were different and some players were protecting themselves with injuries as well, especially in the friendly games. But I used to love going."

Sir Alex Ferguson hit back at England manager

In 2013, ‘Fergie’ became embroiled in a dispute with then-England manager Roy Hodgson.

At the time, Hodgson claimed that clubs’ attitudes to international football had led to some players treating the time away with England as a holiday.

Hodgson said at the time: "What worries me is that clubs need international football, but the great pity is that we suggest international football should be relegated to a lesser stage because the clubs have the Champions League and championships to aim for.”

Hodgson continued to explain how, during his “generation”, playing for England at any level was of paramount importance.

Several managers, including former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini and QPR’s Harry Redknapp, hit back alongside Ferguson, who highlighted the frustration friendly matches caused club managers.

Ferguson explained: “They have been doing it for the last decade, playing a friendly in the week before the season starts. Tell me the sense of that. It doesn't matter what way you look at it.

"Club managers are always in disagreement with international football, particularly in friendly situations. I have no issues at all about the competitive part. The players should always be available for the European Championship and the World Cup."