Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he could've treated Wayne Rooney better last season.

"We need to define Rooney's role better," Ferguson told The Daily Telegraph. "And I think I have to take a bit of responsibility for that.

"I think he sacrificed himself for the team, which says a lot about the lad because he never complained.

"We've played him wide and in other positions. He will score goals but we kept using him in different positions, he'd play centre half if you asked him to.

Pele believes Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney's progress has stalled since Euro2004.

"I like Wayne Rooney," said the Brazil legend. "But he hasn't reached the peak of Euro2004 again. He had two or three very good years and then lost a little bit in his performances.

"I don't know why. When he is tangling with opponents, Rooney has to learn how to defend himself, not attack the opponent.

"Maybe that has something to do with it. If you can protect yourself against challenges, it will be easier to keep your temper."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has selected a strong squad for the Vodacom Challenge to be played in South Africa.

United will face defending champions Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates as part of a pre-season tour.

Most of the players who did not play in the Euro 2008 championship will be heading for our shores today. These include the likes of Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Carlos Tevez.