Man Utd ace Rooney: I want Ferguson to be my manager for entire career

Wayne Rooney wants Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to be his manager for his entire career.

The pair’s relationship came under intense scrutiny last week after Ferguson dropped Rooney from United’s home defeat to Blackburn as punishment for going on a night out without permission over Christmas.

But Rooney told The Sun: “Sir Alex is the greatest manager of all time. Of course I would like to play under him for the rest of my career.

“He’s a great manager and is a big reason why I joined Manchester United. If I could finish my career playing under Sir Alex then I won’t have gone far wrong.”

His words will go a long way to appease the United faithful after a turbulent fortnight.

Rooney added: “As I said before he is, in my eyes, the best ever. His success and his trophies speak for themselves. He’s an incredible manager and has done so much for football and so much for my game as well.

“His every-day commitment to his job is what makes him stand out.

“He’s in before the players every morning and leaves after you. His commitment, his desire to win and his dedication is incredible.”

Manchester United refuse to “panic” after shock defeat to Newcastle

Sir Alex Ferguson insisted there was no need for panic after seeing his Manchester United side humbled at Newcastle United.

The Magpies ensured that arch rivals Manchester City remain three points clear at the top of the table by beating the champions 3-0 on Tyneside as the run of surprise results for the main contenders over the holiday period continued.

However, Ferguson was taking a measured approach when asked about the impact of a potentially costly defeat.

He told Sky Sports: “It’s not a time to panic or anything like that. We have got the experience to cope with that.

“Losing a game at this time of the year, you don’t want it, but it sometimes can happen – you have seen some of the results recently.

“But obviously, we need to get the show on the road in terms of the run-in, particularly in March and April.”

Even with Wayne Rooney back from his exile and Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs also restored to the starting line-up, United were able to make little impression on a Newcastle side looking for just their second win in nine league games.

Striker Demba Ba, in his last game for the club before heading off to the African Nations Cup with Senegal, blasted the home side ahead with a delicious 33rd-minute volley – his 15th goal of the season.

With Ivory Coast midfielder Cheick Tiote, who will also be on duty in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, determined to sign off in style, the home side were good value for their half-time lead, and there was further cause for celebration within two minutes of the restart.