Ferguson backing Rooney to improve

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney is still developing as a player.

Rooney had a disappointing World Cup for England and failed to find the target as they exited the tournament at the last 16 stage after being beaten 4–1 by Germany.

His form was in stark contrast to the previous domestic campaign when he scored 34 goals in all competitions for United.

But Ferguson expects his talismanic striker to kick on when the season opens in August.

He told ESPN: "The boy has an incredible armoury of talent and what we have to do is to wait for that maturity.

"The most important thing I think he needs now is maturity and, when he gets that, I think you will see the complete footballer."

Ferguson blamed fatigue for the disappointing performance of a number of star names in South Africa.

He said: "The FA has to give the country the best possible chance of doing well in the World Cup.

"Because of the nature of our game and because of the demands from television to have a programme every week, I have been talking about a winter break but nothing has happened.

"They must realise that, going into the World Cup, they have handicapped their team."

United face Philadelphia Union tonight at Lincoln Financial Field and Ferguson could be tempted to give Nani a run–out after the Portugal winger's recovery from a dislocated collarbone.