I’m not a fan of Manchester United, but like almost anyone who follows soccer anywhere in the world, I have a solid respect for the 24 years of managing and 35 trophies, that Sir Alex Ferguson has accumulated over his incredible tenure with the club. I have even more respect for his outspoken candor on basic issues and simple values, that apply to all areas of life, not just soccer or professional sports in general.
As reported by ESPNsoccernet, Ferguson didn’t pull any punches when addressing the changes he has observed in the attitudes and over-all demeanor of the professional athletes of this generation, including his own star player, Wayne Rooney. It was most refreshing to read his no nonsense evaluation of what he has observed. Almost anyone, and certainly professional sports would benefit, if some athletes and their agents were attentive to what he has said.
Speaking at the inaugural “Aspire 4Sport” conference in Qatar, Ferguson stated: “ The world has changed and so have players’ attitudes. I’m dealing with more fragile human beings than I used to be. They are cocooned by modern parents, agents,-even their own image at times. They need to be seen with their tattoos and earrings. It’s a different world for me so I have to adapt.”
The highly esteemed manger was also forthright in his reaction, to the obvious theatrics of Wayne Rooney and his agent, in their threats of him leaving for rival Premiership and top European teams. Although he is rehabilitating from injury now, his discontentment over the Red Devils roster seems to have been quieted, by his reported 160,000 English pounds per week,which may go as high as 200,000, according to goal.com. The website also suggested that Rooney’s contract includes a break clause, which would allow Rooney to leave for as little as 30 million pounds, “ if certain targets are not met by the Red Devils on a year-by-year basis……..if the Glazers did not follow through with their promise of investing in the team.”
“Fergie” accurately pointed out that the public backlash against Rooney’s threats to leave the team, had highlighted the major mistake that he and his agent had made with their shoddy strategy. The Liverpool native got his money two days later, but took a major hit to his image that will stay with him for the duration of his career. Pounds in his pocket promptly fixed his frustration.
Sir Alex articulated his advice for one and all, on young high profile professionals dealing with delicate issues. “ You don’t necessarily have to heed advice after listening to it. Some young people take bad advice. He has an agent who is not the most popular man in the world and he obviously sold it to Wayne to ask away. The boy rushed in………But the minute he heard the response of the public and our supporters, he changed his mind. He knew he’d made a mistake. There’s nothing wrong with that as long as you recognize it. He immediately apologized and agreed (to) a new contract within a couple of hours.”
The Manchester United fans may accept his apology, as long as the England national striker plays well, but if he continues to struggle after he returns from injury, the forgiveness will be forgotten as quickly as was Wayne’s worries about the future financing of the team.