Wayne Rooney has stepped up to the mark and proved himself entirely for Manchester United – Sir Alex Ferguson

“As a player, you have to put bad memories behind you and always try to do better,” Ferguson told reporters. “It’s a normal thing for any footballer to do that.”

The Red Devils travel to face Schalke in top form, with a late winner aganst Everton sending them six points clear at the top of the Premier League, and Rooney’s return to form has played a part.

Ferguson continued: “Wayne’s form has been absolutely fantastic in the last two months. Good players create their own platform in the sense of the importance of their performance.

“I think Wayne realises more than anyone that performances are going to be the one thing he’ll always be judged on because there is an expectation on the boy.

“You can see how he’s stepped up to the mark for that and proved himself entirely. No-one else can do that but him.”

United have only conceded three Champions League goals this season and they will need to show their strength to get pass a resilient Schalke side on Tuesday.

Ferguson added: “There’s absolutely no chance this team will ever give in – no chance. That’s a great quality to have.”