COMMENT
Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t really want to sign Wayne Rooney in 2004.
“It’s a strange twist of fate that if Newcastle hadn’t come in for him he wouldn’t be here, he’d probably still be at Everton,” explained the legendary manager. “Once we knew Everton were talking to another club we had to do something. We didn’t think he was available.”
Manchester United scouts had actually been keeping an eye on Rooney for four years, but it was Ferguson’s intention to continue monitoring the young England international for the time being. Rooney’s fantastic form led to Sir Bobby Robson’s attempt to take the 18-year-old to Tyneside which ultimately forced Sir Alex’s hand.