Wayne Rooney: 'Sir Alex Ferguson influence vital to my career'

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has admitted that he will always be grateful for the faith shown in him by former boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ten years ago, the legendary Scot paid over £25m to sign an 18-year-old Rooney from Everton, and as the United and England captain celebrates a decade at Old Trafford, he has described his retired boss as an "incredible person and manager" who has had an important impact on his career.

The 28-year-old told MUTV: "He has been vitally important. I'm grateful to him for having the faith to bring me in from Everton.

"I think that he's an incredible person and manager, the way you see his desire for the game. He certainly helped me a lot and helped us all.

"At the time, I was coming into the squad as a young lad and there were a few other young lads. He brought all that together and made us world club champions. I'm very grateful for everything that he's done."

Rooney has gone on to score 218 goals in 446 matches for United in all competitions.