Despite a summer of controversy, there can be no doubt who has been Manchester United's MVP in 2013-14 has been thus far. That man is Wayne Rooney and he has consistently led the Red Devils on the field throughout the early struggles of the season.
With his performance rocketing to such a high level it can be hard to forget that only weeks ago, the player was seemingly adamant about leaving the Old Trafford. However, former Manchester boss Sir Alex Ferguson seems intent on reminding the world about Rooney's initial desire to leave.
"He asked away," Ferguson said, according to ESPN. "He came in the day after we had won the title. Nothing happened that I would get upset about."
He did note that Rooney has a tremendous amount of pressure to produce and that some of his decision-making was likely swayed by his advisors.
"Wayne is unfortunate in the sense that he is England's big white hope. So therefore, the media is always centred around Wayne," Ferguson noted. "And he has people who advise him. And I think that's where all that's coming from."
He also revealed that the relationship with the Englishman never faltered despite Rooney's request.
"I never fell out with him at any time, you know. Sometimes I would discipline him, but sometimes they all need discipline," he said. "I think if Wayne walked in here today, he would shake my hand."
Chelsea was among one of the top contenders for Rooney's services; Blues Coach Jose Mourinho repeatedly stated that he wanted to land the forward throughout the summer.