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Ferguson wants line drawn under Rooney saga

Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful Wayne Rooney will soon do his talking on the pitch © Getty Images

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Sir Alex Ferguson believes the time has come for Manchester United to put the saga surrounding Wayne Rooney to bed.

United endured a turbulent few days last week, as Rooney stated he wanted to leave the club before performing an astonishing about turn and committing his future to the Red Devils for the next five years.

Rooney has jetted off on holiday while he recovers from an ankle injury and after taking a swipe at agents earlier in the week, Ferguson has insisted the time has come to move on.

"It's been a traumatic time for Manchester United and no doubt everyone is as relieved as I am that the situation with Wayne Rooney has been resolved," Ferguson wrote in his programme notes ahead of the Carling Cup game with Wolves.

"We're delighted that he'll remain with us and he'll play a key part in our challenge for silverware on all fronts - both this season and in the years to come.

"Once the news came out that Wayne wanted to leave, the publicity and impact that had, and the response it generated, showed how big Manchester United is and that resonated with him quite a lot."

Rooney came in for criticism for questioning United's ambition and inferring the current players are not good enough, but Ferguson claims the squad has accepted his apology and insists the club are united.

He said: "Wayne apologised to me and the players and it's now time to draw a line under last week and face the challenges that lie ahead.

"We have a good squad, the unity and spirit is fine and the structure of the club is good. There is nothing wrong with United."

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