FERGIE BELIEVES THE FACT THAT JOSE IS KEEPING COOL MEANS UNITED IS GOING FORWARD
ALEX Ferguson believes Manchester United’s progress under José Mourinho is clear from the way the Portuguese coach has stopped blowing his top.
Mourinho was sent to the stands twice in six games in the first half of the season as United were held at home by Burnley and West Ham – two of a number of draws that have hindered their title challenge.
Mourinho’s side are still only sixth in the table but his mood has improved significantly during a 17-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
“I think José is finding solutions now,” said Ferguson. “There was a period earlier in the season when he wasn’t getting the decisions and his emotions boiled over. He is an emotional guy, there is no question about that.
“It showed very much in terms of how José handled that part. You see him now. He is calm and in control. That is the obvious observation I am making of the team now.
“The team is mirroring its manager. It is playing with great energy, determination and will to win, which I think is really important.
“If they hadn’t had all these draws, they would be there challenging Chelsea. That is the unfortunate part but he is going to have to live with that. But I think he will be inspired by the progress of the team.”
Ferguson highlighted Wayne Rooney’s determination to restart the game after scoring a late equaliser at Stoke on Saturday instead of celebrating his record-breaking 250th goal for United.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he added: “Did you see what Rooney did? Ran to the halfway line. No celebration. Pointed to the ball. Get the ball. We are going to win this. That is exactly the spirit José has created. He has done fantastic.
“Like all United teams, they played to the last kick of the ball. They never gave in and they got their rewards.”
Ferguson admitted he never thought Rooney would break Bobby Charlton’s record and doubts the United captain’s total will now be beaten.
“José has mentioned Marcus Rashford and there is an opportunity for that young lad if he stays at United and develops his potential the way Wayne has. It is possible but it is a very big target to hit.”
Reflecting on Rooney’s £27 million (R451 million) signing in the summer of 2004, Ferguson recalled having to haggle with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright – as well as his mother.
“Bill Kenwright gets on his phone, hands it to me and says, ‘it’s my mother – she wants to talk to you’. She says, ‘don’t you dare steal my boy (Rooney)!’ I couldn’t believe it.” – Daily Mail