Big Ron on the Wayne Rooney saga

Former Manchester United manager Ron Atkinson has hailed Sir Alex Ferguson's 'masterstroke' after sensationally persuading Wayne Rooney to sign a new contract.

The Express & Star columnist and ex-Albion and Villa boss was 'shocked and surprised' at Rooney's amazing U-turn to a new five-year deal this afternoon, after it looked certain the England superstar would quit the club.

But Atkinson reckons Ferguson - his successor at Old Trafford in November 1986 - has pulled off a major coup after Rooney's statement questioning United's ambition earlier this week rocked the world's biggest club to its very foundations.

Big Ron said: "I must admit I'm shocked and surprised. I thought after all that had gone on this week, there was no way back for him.

"But it's a major coup and triumph for United and it's the best thing for the club because they have won the battle.

"Fergie and David Gill have done it brilliantly and I would imagine the Glazer family have said 'get him on board'."

Big Ron believes Rooney has had second thoughts about his pulling power but that the striker was amazed at the reaction his bombshell sparked.

Atkinson said: "I'm pretty sure there would have been a figure Wayne had in mind.

"Commercially, he's better off at United than any other club because of the status the club carries.

"But I think he would have been very surprised, amazed and staggered at the vitriol and the adverse publicity he has had to face.

"There's not been a shred of sympathy for him anywhere and everyone has been shocked and appalled by the way it's been handled on Rooney's side."

Atkinson believes Rooney now needs to start repaying United.

He said: "Now they have secured the player, he's got to start performing.

"He's got a lot of convincing to do - to the fans, and to his team-mates after what's been said because he hasn't played well for months."