Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has heaped praise upon retiring manager Sir Alex Ferguson despite speculation over his future at the club.

Rooney was given a mixed reception by United fans when boarding the coach for their Premier League title victory parade this afternoon having handed in a transfer request at the club.

Yesterday, Ferguson confirmed that he has refused the request, but Rooney still has nothing but praise for the veteran manager.

"He has been brilliant for us all," Rooney told MUTV. "He is a great manager. He is a winner and to do it for so long is incredible. He is a fantastic manager and a fantastic person."

Ferguson will take charge of Manchester United for the 1,500th and final time when they face West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.