Football Story

07 January 2009 23:57 BST

Ferdinand applauds Rooney's team spirit

Rio Ferdinand has applauded Wayne Rooney for his performances for Manchester United last season, claiming he sacrificed his own objectives for the good of the team.

Ferdinand says Rooney often played out of position but that the team benefited from the striker's versatility and work ethic.

The England defender claims it was an "awesome" effort to lead the United forward line by himself for much of last season as the Red Devils played without a target man for much of the campaign.

Ferdinand told the People newspaper: "Wayne had to take the responsibility of leading the line on his shoulders - and he was awesome.

"In a few years we'll look back and say at such a young age for a double winning team - he did well."

Rooney only found the back of the net 15 times last season, while team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo scored more than double that tally, leading to some criticism of the 22-year-old.

However, Ferdinand feels the 15 assists that Rooney had to his name should not be over shadowed.

"You might have some players scoring 25 and having two assists," explained Ferdinand. "But there's a lot more to Wayne than scoring - he's a more complete player.

"He played out of position a lot. He played on the left and sacrificed himself so many times for the team."

Ferdinand believes that if manager Alex Ferguson is able to sign a more traditional front man to partner with Rooney then the former Everton man will be able to show his best form in front of goal.

He added: "I know the manager wants to see Wayne playing in his more accustomed position, just off the front. Maybe that will happen if we sign a striker and then you'll see how dangerous he can be."

Last season Louis Saha was injured a lot, leaving Ferguson without the option of a tall striker. United have been linked with a bid for Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov, who could fill that role, but Spurs have yet to accept an offer from United.