Rooney’s future still unclear amid celebrations

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed on Sunday that Rooney had submitted a transfer request, adding that it had been turned down.

Rooney received a mixed reception when he boarded the open-top bus at Old Trafford for the start of the parade, although he did play an active part in the celebrations as it made its slow way along the route into the centre of Manchester, where huge numbers of United fans turned out to acclaim their team.

But, speaking to MUTV, Rooney did not answer directly a question about what the retiring Ferguson had done for him, and was not asked whether he would be staying or not.

“He has been brilliant for us all,” said Rooney.

“He is a great manager. He is a winner and to do it for so long is incredible.

“He is a fantastic manager and a fantastic person.”

More than one player claimed the massive crowd, which some claimed was bigger than the one that greeted the team after their 1999 treble of Premier League, 
FA Cup and European Cip, was a direct result of Ferguson’s impending retirement.

Addressing the crowds himself, Ferguson could not resist a dig at those who claim most football supporters in Manchester are City fans.

“You know they say United fans live outside the city,” he said.

With 20,000 fans packed into Sir Matt Busby Way, roads had to be closed prior to the Red Devils’ departure.

While there was space along the main route into the city centre, once the bus headed down the main shopping area, Deansgate, supporters found a variety of vantage points to see the team drive past.

Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Young, who at times ditched the crutches he is supposed to be using to nurse an ankle injury that has ended his season, led the singing, with Ferguson also joining in, and even forced Paul Scholes onto centre stage for a rare interview.

It is Ferguson’s 13th, and last title of course. But the revelry was not enough to make the Scot think standing down in favour of Everton boss David Moyes, who is also believed to have been in Manchester to witness the scenes, was a wrong move.

“You always think about it (whether you are doing the right thing). But I think it is the right time. I really do,” said Ferguson, who also challenged his players to repeat the title hat-trick they last achieved between 2007 and 2009.