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How Ferguson Reacted When Rooney Didn’t Get The Match Ball In His United Debut

How Ferguson Reacted When Rooney Didn’t Get The Match Ball In His United Debut

Wayne Rooney's Manchester United debut against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League was made perfect thanks to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

Wayne Rooney lived up to the hype after he completed his move from Everton to Manchester United in 2004.

The DC United star made an instant impact at the Red Devils, scoring a hat-trick against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League.

Of course, it is unsurprising that Rooney wanted the match ball as a reminder of his superb debut.

"Can I have the ball?" he asked former referee Frank De Bleeckere.

However, the 52-year-old responded with a simple message: "That's for me."

While the 33-year-old former England international walked away empty-handed after that exchange, former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was not happy with what had happened.

Speaking to the Guardian in 2006, Rooney explained how the legendary Scotsman came to the rescue.

PA

"I couldn't believe it," he said.

"The manager just said, 'What? I'm not having that' and went off to see the ref. Next thing he's back with the ball and I couldn't thank him enough."

Rooney would end up becoming United's all-time record scorer before he left in 2017 for a brief stint at Everton.

He made 393 appearances over the course of his United career and picked up multiple honours, including the Premier League title, FA Cup, Champions League and the Europa League.





What was Rooney's most memorable moment in a United shirt?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, fenerbahce, Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, red devils, Everton, Champions League, Wayne Rooney