Rooney reveals Wales target

Sir Alex said of his �27m capture: "I can see Wayne having the same impact as Eric had on the team when I signed him.

"Eric came at a time when we hadn't won the title for 25 years and he was the man of a very important moment.

"Since then we have won a few titles but now we're trying to step up a few notches to a better level of play."

Ferguson added: "This club has always had the best players, players who entertain, thrill and excite but also players of great courage.

"There is always a statement when you buy a player because your fans recognise you want to do something and that you are not prepared to sit on your laurels.

"A club the size of Manchester United should always be thinking that way."

In 30 years as a manager he is the best youngster I have seen Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson

Ferguson dismissed suggestions that Rooney's signing was a knee-jerk reaction to events at Arsenal and Chelsea.

But he admitted that it would equip United to mount a challenge for honours on all fronts.

The United boss said: "I wasn't specifically thinking we needed Wayne to counteract what is happening at Arsenal and Chelsea.

"We needed him because he was available, we couldn't have missed this opportunity.

"Once we get all our players back then we will push Arsenal and Chelsea much harder."

We have a job to do to make sure he fulfils his potential Sir Alex Ferguson Man Utd sign Rooney

Ferguson also has no regrets about paying such a huge amount for the striker, saying: "In 30 years as a manager he is the best youngster I have seen.

"It is a hell of a lot of money to pay for an 18-year-old - more than twice what we paid for Cristiano Ronaldo.

"But the fee is a reflection of his progress over the past year and the signs in the European Championship were quite clear, and although he is only 18, he can play at that level against the best.

"I'm excited by the prospect of working with him because he is a great talent.