AFTER A WEEK in which Britain’s front pages were filled with talk of a rift at Old Trafford, Manchester United’s picture of Wayne Rooney and Alex Ferguson sharing a tin of sweets was supposed to tell a thousand words.

The pair looked relaxed as they traveled back from Zurich by private jet last night after FIFA’s gala Ballon D’Or ceremony.

And Rooney took the opportunity at the event to reiterate that he’s staying at Old Trafford and respects the veteran coach.

“Sir Alex is the greatest managers of all time. Of course I would like to play under him for the rest of my career,” he said, after being named in Fifa’s Team of the Year.

“He’s a great manager and is a big reason why I joined. If I could finish my career playing under Sir Alex then I won't have gone far wrong. As I said before he is, in my eyes, the best ever. His success and his trophies speak for themselves. He's an incredible manager and has done so much for football and so much for my game as well.

"His every-day commitment to his job is what makes him stand out.

"He's in before the players every morning and leaves after you. His commitment, his desire to win and his dedication is incredible."

Ferguson for his part was awarded the  Presidential Award - and even met Colombian pop star Shakira afterwards, along with German football great Franz Beckenbauer and FIFA chief Joseph Blatter.

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