Rooney can win back fans on the pitch: Ex-Man U stars

LONDON - Former Manchester United stars insist that striker Wayne Rooney can win back fans and team-mates by doing his talking on the pitch.

United legend Lou Macari said that Rooney should not have questioned manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambition, but insisted that the 24-year-old would strike back if fans support him.

“There’s a bit of rebuilding to be done. Supporters hold the key to how well Wayne does, if they’ll forgive him and accept him back,” Macari said.

Former winger Mickey Thomas believes that fans would welcome their hero back.

“I think they’re going to be absolutely delighted. They want him back on that pitch scoring goals. It’ll be all forgotten,” the Daily Express quoted Thomas, as saying.

Former midfielder Clayton Blackmore believes that the saga has highlighted Ferguson’s strengths as a manager.

“It think it just shows how strong and how powerful he is. Wayne could end up being an even better player,” Blackmore said.

In a dramatic change of events, Rooney - who demanded to leave United earlier this week - ended doubts over his future by signing a new five-year contract.

He is now the highest-paid player at United, overtaking defender Rio Ferdinand.

The striker, who was previously on 90,000 pounds per week, is now understood to be earning a basic salary in excess of 150,000 pounds per week. (ANI)