ROONALDO VERDICT

Rooney himself:

“It was a tough decision to leave Everton, the club I’ve supported and played for all my life, but I’m excited to be joining a club as big as Manchester United.

“I feel this can only improve my career, playing with top players in the Champions League, and I can’t wait to meet up with the team.”

Fergie:

"I am very excited. I think we have got the best young player this country has seen in the past 30 years. Everyone is delighted by this signing.

"Wayne is not the finished article yet, but he is a fantastic talent and he proved that at Euro 2004. He has marvellous potential."

David Gill:

"We are delighted to have reached an agreement for Wayne. He will be a tremendous asset to Manchester United and undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him."

Ruud van Nistelrooy:

"Everyone knows Wayne is an amazing talent and the thought of him pulling on a United shirt is frightening.

"He proved himself at Euro 2004 and I don't know many clubs who wouldn't mind him in their side.

"He is an incredible player who has a huge future ahead of him.

“To do what he has already done at just 18 years old is incredible. Anyone who has seen him play knows what a talent he is. It really excites me to think he will be playing at United.

"He will be a great asset to the club and to play with him will be fantastic.”

Peter Schmeichel (who owns a heap of shares in Proactive) in the Sunday Times:

"It is the nature of United that they need a special figure, a talismanic player in their ranks.

"Once it was Eric Cantona, then it was David Beckham. United need to be talked about, need to create a buzz and Cantona and Beckham did that.

"Ruud van Nistelrooy is one of the greatest strikers in the world, but he does not have that Cantona or Beckham image. Rooney is in the Beckham and Cantona category.

"At Euro 2004 Rooney was the leading player in the England team and, although he is only 18, he already has the ability to be the same kind of figure for United.

"Having one player who stands out benefits the whole United system. It keeps the focus on the team and thereby everybody on their toes.

"Rooney was England's leading player at Euro 2004 and he has the ability to be the same kind of figure for United."

"At the moment United find themselves in the - for them - almost unbelievable position of being viewed as England's third club. People also have a view of United that they no longer sign the best players in the world. Securing Rooney has blown all that apart.

"Rooney will slot so naturally into that position, just off the striker, that Fergie has been trying to fill for several years," insists the Great Dane.

"He's tried Scholes there, and Giggs, and partnered van Nistelrooy with Diego Forlan, Ole Solskjaer and Louis Saha, but never quite found the balance United had when Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole had their one great season in tandem in 1998-9.

"I'd expect Rooney and van Nistelrooy to be the first-choice strike partnership, with Scholes dropping back alongside Roy Keane in central midfield. Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo would support from wide. It's an awesome proposition.”

Rooney is expected to play for the reserves against Aston Villa next Thursday.