Rooney has fences to mend after his sudden about-face

The bottom line is that he has signed to stay at Old Trafford for another five years.

Funny, isn't it, that just a few days ago he believed United lacked ambition and did not sign enough star players to win trophies?

Yet now he is prepared to spend the prime years of his career with them "in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history".

That is the sort of conversion you might find on the road to Damascus. Or while laughing all the way to the bank.

We might never know the exact details which made Rooney change his mind, but one thing is for sure - while United fans will be delighted to keep the most talented English player of his generation, the whole affair has left the sourest taste.

A taste which Rooney might well experience for years to come.

What will team-mates such as Patrice Evra, so critical of Rooney in recent days, make of his turnaround? You slag off your fellow players and the manager comes up with a pay rise which puts the bonuses of Britain's top bankers in the shade.

It is not exactly conducive to team harmony, even if the more rational will deduce that with Rooney in their team they all have a better chance of winning trophies and improving their bank balances.

No, Rooney has fences to mend. Lots of them. And while right now he might believe he and agent Paul Stretford have outmanoeuvred United in spectacular fashion, his lucrative contract will have come at high cost.

After the salacious headlines surrounding the problems in his private life, it was difficult to imagine how Rooney's reputation off the pitch could fall any further.

Well, he has managed it. Dragged 'Brand Rooney' once more down the wrong side of the touchline of respectability. At Ferguson's admission, he disrespected the club and betrayed the man who has been his mentor for the past six years.

Earlier this week, Ferguson looked hurt and bewildered at how one of his leading players could treat him in such a fashion.

To observers it appeared there could be no turning back. Just like Jaap Stam and David Beckham and Roy Keane it seemed another big star would be drummed out of the club after falling foul of Ferguson.

But there was no real anger. Instead there was experienced method in Ferguson's restraint. A canny intuition in the way he was careful to juggle his hurt with the prospect of rapprochement.

Deep in his heart Ferguson probably wanted to lash out, to turn on that famous hairdryer.

But he also knew he had to do the best for Manchester United, and with American owners who have not shown a penchant for sticking their hands deep in their pockets, where would he find a replacement for Rooney? Ferguson probably saw at least half of any transfer fee going on debt repayments. So he kept the door open and kept his man, although his verdict on the outcome was not his finest hour.

"I am pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United's great players," said Ferguson. "It shows character and belief in what we stand for."

Now "character" and "belief" are certainly qualities which are synonymous with Ferguson's 24-year reign at Old Trafford, but it is pushing it to have us believe that either crossed the mind of Rooney or his agent.

Perhaps Rooney was swayed by the mob who turned up at his home and had to be moved on by police. Maybe he was influenced by the almost universal criticism he received from big names in the game, epitomised by a withering blast from Blackpool manager Ian Holloway.

Yet it is doubtful. Almost certainly it was a pragmatic decision on both sides, United showing Rooney the colour of the money he desired because they could not afford to let their prime asset go, and Rooney influenced by the uncertainty of change.

"I am sure everyone involved with the club will now get behind Wayne and show him the support he needs to produce the performances we know he is capable of," said Ferguson.

Perhaps, but Rooney will be living down the performance of the past week for years to come.