Sir Alex Ferguson’s Two‑Visit Pursuit of Wayne Rooney

Sir Alex Ferguson was determined to sign a teenage Wayne Rooney for Manchester United, traveling to Everton twice in pursuit of the striker.

Everton manager David Moyes disclosed these details on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at Ferguson’s early interest.

In August 2004, the 18‑year‑old moved to the Red Devils for a £27 million fee.

Rooney had already netted 15 goals in 67 Premier League appearances for the Toffees and had been linked with Newcastle United.

“I never wanted Wayne to leave,” Moyes said.

“The turning point came when Sir Alex called and asked to meet me at the Haydock Thistle Hotel. I wondered what he wanted.”

“When I arrived, a room had been booked. He walked in and said, ‘I want Rooney.’ I replied, ‘He’s not for sale. No chance, I’m not selling him.’ He asked, ‘Are you sure you won’t let him go to Chelsea or anyone else?’ I said, ‘No chance.’ He accepted my stance and left.”

Moyes noted that Ferguson returned a few weeks later with another proposal.

“Three or four weeks later he called again, saying he wanted to meet again because he still wanted Wayne and things had progressed,” Moyes recalled.

Rooney later confirmed that Ferguson’s interest intensified after his performance at Euro 2004.

The young forward impressed for England, scoring four goals in four matches before a broken foot forced him out at the quarter‑final stage, where England lost to Portugal on penalties.

“Alex wanted to wait a year,” Rooney said. “But after my Euros, everyone was moving quickly, and it became inevitable that I would join United that summer.”

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