Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney is still improving but feels the 24-year-old can become a ‘complete footballer‘ if he continues to work hard (Rooney 5/1 to be the Premier League’s top scorer in 2010/2011).
Rooney notched an impressive 34 goals in all competitions for United last season, his best ever return. The forward’s contribution ensured United continued to push for the Premier League title until the very end, only to lose out to Chelsea, and Ferguson is delighted with his striker’s development.
“He had an improvement in terms of his timing and movement in the penalty box. His positioning also improved from the previous season,” explained Ferguson.
“He got us over 30 goals and if he does that again and adds a little bit to his game then that is what we expect.
“The boy has got an incredible armoury of talent and what we have to do is to wait for that maturity.
“We also do nurture it and try to advise and coach in a fashion which will improve his game.
“But the most important thing I think he needs now is maturity and, when he gets that, I think you will see the complete footballer.”
However, after his blistering domestic campaign the striker disappointed at the World Cup with England, with Rooney unable to find the net or make any real contribution in any of the Three Lions four games in South Africa.
The United boss has always been an advocate of a mid-season break, with Ferguson convinced fatigue played a major part in the poor showing of England – and Rooney – in South Africa.
Ferguson reiterated his calls for the Premier League to implement a winter break and feels this will only improve England’s performances in future international competitions.
“The FA has to give the country the best possible chance of doing well in the World Cup,” added the Scottish manager.
“Because of the nature of our game and because of the demands from television to have a programme every week, I have been talking about a winter break but nothing has happened.
“They must realise that, going into the World Cup, they have handicapped their team.”
Rooney shouldered the burden of scoring the majority of Manchester United’s goals last season but he will have a new striker partner in the shape of Mexican Javier “Chicharito” Hernández for the 2010/2011 campaign, while Dimitar Berbatov has impressed in pre-season.
Ferguson remains confident the Bulgarian will hit top form at Old Trafford after two years with United (Manchester United 5/2 to win the Premier League).
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