£30m Roo best for 30 years
Manchester United finally landed Wayne Rooney last night after agreeing an amazing £30million deal for the 18-year-old. And boss Alex Ferguson said: “I think we have got the best young player this country has seen in the last 30 years.” Rooney signed a six-year contract worth £50,000 a week at 7.40pm - just over four hours before the transfer deadline. The striker said: “It was a difficult decision to leave Everton, the club I have supported for all my life and always played for. But I am now excited to be playing at a club as big as United. This can only improve my career, playing with top players in top competitions like the Champions League. I just cannot wait to meet up with the rest of the team.”
Neil Custis, The Sun
Rooney is Mr Cool
Sven Goran Erikssonlast night hailed Wayne Rooney as the coolest kid on the planet. Strike whizkid Rooney completed his £30million move from Everton to Manchester United yesterday — and England boss Eriksson is convinced they are getting a genuine superstar. Eriksson said: “If Wayne plays like he did at Euro 2004, you would have to say he is world-class, No 1. Absolutely the best. No manager in the world would say no to having him in their squad and I’m sure he’ll have a fantastic career. I was asked what makes Wayne so good and I said it is the fact he is so very cold. I have never seen him nervous or worried about anything."
Mark Irwin and Neil Custis, The Sun
Ex-Reds delighted at Rooney signing
United legend Paddy Crerand is delighted at the prospect of seeing Rooney in a red shirt. The former midfielder, 65, said: “The first time I saw him, when he was 16, I thought, ‘This lad is going to be a star’. His arrival means the competition for places now is going to be extreme.Alex Ferguson has a proven track record of bringing on young players. He guides them, he looks after them - and also takes no nonsense. Wayne could not be in better hands.” Former Old Trafford defender Paul Parker agrees - and reckons Rooney will help United regain their vice-like grip on English football. He said: “It’s a massive signing for United. Rooney will add the bit of guile that has been missing lately. And Wayne’s signing will restore some of the fear factor which has been missing. The rest of the Premiership won’t fancy facing United now."
Staff reporter, The Sun
He´ll be market force
Manchester United are sitting on a marketing goldmine following the signing of Wayne Rooney. Experts predict Rooney’s arrival will send shirt and merchandise sales soaring to David Beckham levels. Greg Jones of Shine Marketing in London said: “Beckham was big - but who knows what can happen with Rooney. Clearly, from a football point of view, Alex Ferguson is delighted but I bet the PLC are licking their lips. Rooney may not have done a great deal in domestic football yet but he is already an international star and that is where it counts. Asian countries are aware of Rooney and, now he is at United, shirt sales will rocket."
Staff reporter, The Sun
Roo´s the new Best
Sir Alex Ferguson last night hailed new £30million signing Wayne Rooney as the most exciting player to join Manchester United since George Best. United finally clinched the signature of the 18-year-old England sensation late last night and Fergie immediately paid the ultimate compliment to the most expensive teenager in world football. " I am very excited," said Fergie. " We have got the best young player this country has seen in the past 30 years. Everyone is delighted by this signing. Wayne is not the finished article yet, but he is a fantastic talent and he proved that at Euro 2004. He has marvellous potential." Rooney has signed a six- year deal that will keep him at the club until June 2010.
David McDonnell and David Maddock, Daily Mirror
Ruud: I can´t wait to play with Ruud
Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted he cannot wait to form a formidable striking partnership with Manchester United´s new £30million signing Wayne Rooney. The Dutch star believes Rooney´s arrival will have a galvanising effect on United and give the club a much-needed boost after their unconvincing start to the season. " Everyone knows Wayne is an amazing talent and the thought of him pulling on a United shirt is frightening," said van Nistelrooy. " He proved himself at Euro 2004 and I don´t know many clubs who wouldn´t want him in their side. He is an incredible player who has a huge future ahead of him. To do what he has already done at just 18-years-old is incredible. Anyone who has seen him play knows what a talent he is."
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror
Neville´s title alarm
Gary Neville last night admitted Manchester United already face a massive fight to stay in the Premiership title race. Alex Ferguson’s side trail champions Arsenal and Chelsea by seven points with four games gone. United have picked up only five points while the London giants have both collected maximums. And England defender Neville said: “That’s a massive gap and means we have a long haul to try and peg it back. We must do something about it and put together a winning run soon. We have to make sure the players we have got now go out and perform. We are not scoring goals and not creating enough chances.”
Staff reporter, The Sun
Bonne chose de faite, rendez-vous cet hiver pour un milieu gauche ^^ On paie " seulement" 20M£, les 7 restants étant conditionnés par pas mal de clauses...