Rooney shares Sir Alex Ferguson trait used to build Man Utd dynasty

Wayne Rooney has had plenty to deal with in his short but drama-filled time as a manager.

But one of his former teammates has likened one aspect of his skillset to that of the great Sir Alex Ferguson.

Rooney played under Fergie for nine years and would go on to become one of the all-time greats at Old Trafford, eventually landing the tag of the club's all-time record goalscorer.

After entering the dugout at an earlier age than many may have expected, Rooney has certainly took the plunge with crisis club Derby County. But despite the off-field dramas he has to contend with, the former England skipper has won plenty of plaudits.

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Louis Saha, who spent four years as Rooney's teammate at United, believes his old colleague shares one particular trait with Ferguson.

Speaking to Mirror Football, Saha said: "It's a hard job for him at Derby but he's a tough cookie.

"I don't know him as a manager but what I see in terms of his engagement, he's class.

"I've seen some interviews and some really passionate body language on the touchline.

"And he's got a lot of empathy, which is really important.

"This allows you to really see the weakness and strength of a player and then you're able to decide how to help.

"If you don't have empathy and you just ask someone to do what you require, you don't move forward.

"That was the main quality of Sir Alex Ferguson, so for that and so many aspects I think Wayne will do great.

"I think he's up for great things as a manager.

"No disrespect to Derby but I think when he gets another opportunity with a so-called bigger club, I think he will show great quality because he's very smart and dedicated."

Whilst one of Saha's old teammates is impressing in the dugout, another is still performing at the top level even at the age of 37.

Cristiano Ronaldo's fairytale return to United last summer caught many people off-guard but Saha is not surprised at the Portugese's longevity.

"I'm not surprised he's still doing well, even at 37," the Frenchman added.

"In any situation, he's the one, still now, that is going to chase after the ball even after the 90th minute. Even when it's gone out of play.

"He wants to score. He wants to participate always. He's an amazing example.

"His stats speak for themselves. I'm very blessed and privileged to have played with him, as well as see him as a fan score so many for club and country.

"I don't think we will see a player like him again. I just don't see it. He's just an amazing professional. I wish many United players could copy and learn from him."

Louis Saha was speaking to the Mirror in conjunction with William Hill.