Louis Saha has backed Derby manager Wayne Rooney to achieve ‘great things’ as a manager, while revealing that he shares a key character trait with Sir Alex Ferguson.
Rooney is trying to keep Derby’s status as a Championship club intact despite their off-field issues which have seen them deducted 21 points this campaign.
As a player, the former England international achieved legendary status at Manchester United, winning a whole host of major honours under Ferguson.
Former United striker Saha has revealed how Rooney and Ferguson both possess the key quality of ’empathy’.
‘It’s a hard job for him at Derby but he’s a tough cookie,’ Saha told the Mirror of Rooney. ‘I don’t know him as a manager but what I see in terms of his engagement, he’s class.
‘I’ve seen some interviews and some really passionate body language on the touchline. ‘And he’s got a lot of empathy, which is really important.
‘This allows you to really see the weakness and strength of a player and then you’re able to decide how to help.
‘If you don’t have empathy and you just ask someone to do what you require, you don’t move forward.
‘That was the main quality of Sir Alex Ferguson, so for that and so many aspects I think Wayne will do great. ‘I think he’s up for great things as a manager.
‘No disrespect to Derby but I think when he gets another opportunity with a so-called bigger club, I think he will show great quality because he’s very smart and dedicated.’
