After putting pen to paper on a new five year deal, Wayne Rooney has confirmed it was Sir Alex Ferguson who convinced him to stay.

“I’m delighted to sign another deal at United,” said Rooney. “In the last couple of days, I’ve talked to the manager and the owners and they’ve convinced me this is where I belong. I said on Wednesday the manager’s a genius and it’s his belief and support that have convinced me to stay. I’m signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history — which is the reason I joined the club in the first place. I’m sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they’ve read and seen, but my position was from concern over the future. The fans have been brilliant with me since I arrived and it’s up to me through my performances to win them over again.”