Rooney Won't Be Bullied

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has vowed to protect Wayne Rooney following his recent criticism for his behaviour while playing for England.



Ferguson declared: "Players want to kick him and at 19 he'll react to that. In two or three years he won't because he'll let his feet do the talking."

"We'll settle him down, don't worry. But Wayne won't be bullied by anyone."

"As Wayne spends more time with us he will develop the way we want. He will learn how to handle things." added Ferguson.

"Wayne is a 19-year-old thrust into the focus of the England team as saviour and salvation," said Ferguson.

The United manager insists that too much pressure has been bestowed upon the striking sensation and he is expected to deliver every time he pulls on an England shirt.

"The Spanish recognised that and very time he went into a challenge they surrounded him and the referee. It was obvious they wanted him out the road, they knew fine well he was the main danger to them."

Ferguson added: "England wanted him too quickly and his first real games were in the European Championships."

"But at 19 it is beyond expectation to think he is going to be 100% right all the time."

"He is starting a process of development and we are going to help him."