Ferguson blasts FA over Rooney

Sir Alex Ferguson has attacked the Football Association over their handling of Wayne Rooney.

Notoriously distrustful of the media, Ferguson has had both Nani and Ben Foster making sheepish visits to his office to clarify comments made in interviews during the recent international break.

In both cases, the player made his unhappiness known at Ferguson's selection policy.

It is something the Manchester United boss has grown used to and, after listening to the explanation and delivering a stern rebuke in response, tends to forget them.

However, the Rooney situation is causing more consternation.

A previous dispute with the FA over their treatment of his long-time advisor Paul Stretford has now been brought to an end, which means the Manchester United player has agreed to do interviews again while on England duty.

That has resulted in Rooney doing extensive media work before the last three internationals, including Saturday's defeat to Brazil in Qatar when he was named skipper by Fabio Capello following the withdrawal of usual captain John Terry.

The arrangements have not gone unnoticed by Ferguson, who feels too much pressure is being applied to United's star man.

"Every time England go on a trip, who goes on TV? Wayne Rooney, every blinking time," grumbled Ferguson.

"It must get boring asking the same player to do it every time.

"That is because they have sponsors. That is the FA, they love that kind of thing.

"But it is not fair on the player to continually have to do the press all the time. It is the same one all the time."