Sir Alex Ferguson questions role of agents
After one of the most turbulent weeks for Manchester United ended on Sunday with a crucial 2-1 victory against Stoke City, it came as little surprise to hear Sir Alex Ferguson question the role of agents in the aftermath of the Wayne Rooney saga.
Rooney’s agent, Paul Stretford, is believed to have had a key bearing on the 25-year-old’s decision to leave Old Trafford, before being persuaded by the United hierarchy to sign a new five-year contract on Friday.
With the situation now resolved, Ferguson has been quick to speak out about the ‘difficulties’ of dealing with modern day agents.
"It is always tough at United," the Scot revealed to The Guardian. "There are always issues to deal with. When your top players come towards the end of their contracts you have to do something to get them a new one.
"They are all the same. You have to deal with agents of this world today, which is difficult. The players are no problem. There is no problem with players. Some agents are difficult."
Ferguson’s comments have increased speculation that Rooney was heavily influenced by Stretford, who has represented the striker since he was 18, into demanding a dramatically improved contract with the Red Devils, which stood to financially benefit not only the player, but also Stretford himself.
The England international is now tied to the club until 2015, earning a reported £160,000 per week basic package, making him the highest-paid player in United’s history.
However, Rooney will now have to justify his huge wage packet by winning back the support of the club’s disillusioned fans with vastly improved performances; but first, he will need to win back his place in the starting line-up.
Following Javier Hernandez’s brace in Sundays 2-1 victory against the Potters, the out-of-sorts Rooney – currently out injured with an ankle problem - has a tricky task on his hands to regain his spot ahead of the in-form Mexico international.
Club captain Gary Neville, who played his 600th competitive game for Manchester United yesterday, believes that the United No. 10 can rediscover his best form now his future has been sorted, and lauded his decision to remain at Old Trafford.
"It will take time to settle down but once it settles down and time heals he will go on to have a great career and win trophies here," Neville commented.
"The right thing has happened for Wayne, for his career, for his life," the right-back added. "He has made the right decision.
"The club gets to keep a great player - someone who works hard for the team every week."
He may now be on a much-improved wage, but the handling of the situation on Rooney’s behalf left a lot to be desired, while his reputation among the United faithful is currently at a new low.
For the good of the sport, football fans will be hoping that Stretford’s actions won’t set a precedent for other players to follow suit.
But it could be too late.
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