Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson took aim at Wayne Rooney's agent when discussing the striker's new contract yesterday.

The 25-year-old had threatened to quit Old Trafford before eventually signing a contract that makes him the highest-paid player in United's 132-year history.

And Ferguson said Rooney had taken 'bad advice' from an agent who is 'not the most popular man in the world'.

"The boy rushed in," he said.

"The minute the response of the public and supporters and press had a say, he changed his mind immediately because he knew he made a mistake.

"He immediately apologised and agreed on a new contract in a couple of hours."

Ferguson said he felt any rift between the fans and Rooney would eventually heal as long as his performance improves.

"I think the evidence will be on the football pitch," he said.

"We want to get Wayne to his best. When that happens, everything will be OK."

Ferguson added: "The minute a footballer becomes more important than a manager, your club is dead. The history of this club goes right down the drain.

"I am the most important man at Manchester United. It has to be that way."