Wayne Rooney has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson used the silent treatment for two weeks on Manchester United’s players after missing out on a second historic treble.
Under Ferguson, United of course completed a famous treble in 1999 as they won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in the same season – a feat that has not been repeated.
The legendary manager did come close though, with his side doing the league and European double in 2008, but falling short in the cup.
United were beaten by Portsmouth in the quarter-finals that year, with Harry Redknapp’s side going on to lift the trophy following their win at Old Trafford.
Had the Reds managed to overcome Pompey, they would have gone on to face Championship opponents in both the semi-final and final in West Brom and Cardiff, and would have no doubt been overwhelming favourites to add the cup to the collection.
As it was, they had to settle for just the double, with the defeat clearly rankling with Ferguson.
In an extract taken from the upcoming book, 'Rooney: Teenage Kicks', United’s all-time top goalscorer recalled: “I remember the boss, it was for about two weeks.
“He didn’t speak a word to us. He knew that was the chance of doing the treble again.”
The tie against Portsmouth wasn’t without its controversies, with United assistant Carlos Queiroz labelling referee Martin Atkinson a “robber” for not awarding the hosts a penalty after Cristiano Ronaldo was brought down by Sylvain Distin.
Pompey would go on to win 1-0 thanks to a 78th-minute penalty, with Rio Ferdinand having to go in goal as Tomasz Kuszczak saw red for his foul on Milan Baros.
Rooney, who would often don the gloves after training, joked he felt United would have stood a better chance had he gone in goal instead.
“The biggest mistake the manager made was not putting me in goal,” said Rooney.
“But I think he was worried I wouldn’t have saved the penalty and then we’re 1-0 down, so he needed me to try and score.”
Despite missing out a second treble, the 2008 side will go down in United history as one of the club’s greatest, with Rooney comparing them to some of the great Brazil sides of the past.
“I used to love watching Brazil when I was growing up,” said Rooney. “The football we are playing is similar.
“The movement and passing is brilliant and I love playing for this team. It’s just a pleasure to play football like this. It’s why you want to be a footballer.”
*Taken from Rooney: Teenage Kicks – The street footballer who ruled the world, published by Reach Sport on February 17.
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