Then came the mad week when it appeared the 25-year-old was intent on leaving Old Trafford before eventually signing a five-year deal, having been cut down by an ankle injury in the middle of all the furore.

Now, after a brief break in Dubai, another week’s intensive conditioning work in Oregon and some time spent working at the Carrington training ground, the 25-year-old is ready to face Rangers and show the world all his talent still remains.

“Absolutely,” agreed Ferguson, when asked if Rooney should regard it as a fresh start. “There is no question about that.

“His fitness is good and maybe it will take two or three games but they will help to get him back as quick as we can.

“But this is a high profile match, on a terrific pitch, in a great stadium with a terrific atmosphere.

“All the signs are plus ones, particularly for a player of Wayne’s ability.”

Rooney received a mixed reception when he was introduced at Old Trafford as a second-half substitute against Wigan on Saturday, although it was not as bad as he might have feared.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about the reaction from the fans,” he told MUTV in an exclusive interview.

“I can understand their frustrations with the contract negotiations. It happened in the public eye, which made it difficult, and I did make the club aware of my concerns.

“The media also made a big thing of it (Dubai) but it’s happened in the past - it was just the time it came out.

“But I always made it aware I wanted to be at this club.

“I read that I have agreed a new deal so that the club can agree a higher price with a different team somewhere down the line.

“It is a load of rubbish. I signed a new deal to stay here for the long-term future with Manchester United.”