Former United boss blasts Fergie in Rooney row

Rooney and Fergie
Its fair to say that Tommy Docherty has never been Fergie’s greatest fan, despite the current boss winning title after title for the past two decades. United’s boss from 1972 to 1977 has revealed that if it was his decision to pick either Ferguson or Rooney to stay at Old Trafford it would be Rooney. Docherty’s greatest achievement at United was lifting the 1977 FA Cup and steering the club back into the First Division following relegation in 1974. So is there a rift between the manager and Rooney or is Tommy Docherty discussing a problem that doesn’t quite exist?


Docherty spoke of Fergie being on ‘borrowed time’ and that the fans pay their money to watch Rooney – not Ferguson. Although the latter point is most definitely true, it is quite short sighted to have a ‘one or the other’ mentality in this instance. Docherty’s comments are in full below:

“United need Rooney more than they need Fergie,”

“If anyone has got to go it should be Fergie.”

“We’ve seen this in the past at United but they must ask themselves who is more valuable to them, Rooney or Fergie? The answer has to be Rooney.

“He’s not yet 25. He’s got another 10 years in him. Fergie’s been great but he’s got to be on borrowed time.

“The fans come to see Rooney, not the manager.

“Rooney is even more important now Cristiano Ronaldo has been sold.

“They might well sell Rooney if they are offered another £80m. But that Ronaldo cash is still in the bank. They need players on the pitch and they just can’t afford to lose Rooney.”

Tommy Docherty has never been one to mince his words, nor has he ever been a man to shy away from what he perceives to be the truth – even if I totally disagree with him on his view above. There is no doubt Rooney is one of the best players to ever grace the Old Trafford turf but there is no doubt he is no where near the heights that he reached last season. Off field problems and an apparent falling out with the manager will no doubt be a massive part towards this poor run of form, but to use the old saying ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’ will never ring truer than here.

Sir Alex Ferguson is not going to be around for ever, we all know that, and you could argue that we could see him step down within the next 2 to 3 years. There is no doubt, in my eyes, he wants to win another European Cup and surpass 18 league titles before he can enjoy a well earned retirement and with our faltering start to the season, some Reds think that both those achievements won’t happen this term. The ownership of the club will always be the biggest problem, along with the aging legs of Giggs and Scholes and no apparent replacements lined up. Luis Nani has become one of the top players at the club, but there is no doubt his best performances in a Red shirt have been whilst operating on the right side of midfield. Sir Alex is nowhere finished yet, despite what the Doc might think.

In relation to the ‘Fergie vs. Rooney’ debate, I think it is getting blown out of proportion massively. Think over the last fifteen years and the egos Ferguson has had to deal with in the changing room. Ince, Keane, Schmeichel, Cantona and Ronaldo are only a handful – and each and every time Fergie has dealt with them. If the player then becomes ‘surplus to requirements’, Ferguson is ruthless and does what he believes is best for Manchester United. Does Fergie’s stubbornness get in the way of decisions at times? I have no doubt that this does play a part his decision (for example Jaap Stam) – to the extent of what some fans think, i’m not too sure. But look at how he dealt with the Peter Schemical incident at Anfield (following United throwing away a three goal lead in 1994) and how he (reportedly) chased around in Parisian night on the back of a motorcycle following Eric Cantona in the summer of 1995. He has faced numerous problems with egotistical players in his 24 years at Old Trafford and I have no doubt he will deal with Wayne Rooney.

So what are your thoughts? Is there any legs in the Rooney transfer rumours? Do you think the Doc has a point in stating Rooney should be chosen over Ferguson? Lastly, how much of a problem is the apparent ‘clash’ between the manager and our talisman?

5 Comments on Former United boss blasts Fergie in Rooney row

  1. I don’t see that we’re at a point where we have to choose, but Ferguson over Rooney. If (and it’s a big if, because I don’t believe this to be the case) there was a huge falling out between them then Rooney’s the one behaving both childishly and unprofessionally, and he’s the one who seems to be the biggest liability to himself. No point ransoming the club to him at the expense of our greatest ever manager.

  2. I min we need Fergie more than any player in this world…may be we need Special One over Fergie but not now.

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