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Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to condemn Wayne Rooney following his declaration that he 'hates' Liverpool.
The Manchester United striker made the inflammatory comment to MUTV in the aftermath of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League success over Inter Milan.
Rooney was speaking ahead of the Red Devils' highly-anticipated Premier League clash with their bitter North West rivals at Old Trafford on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1.
The England international has regularly found himself the target for terrace abuse from Liverpool supporters, with his strong connections to both Everton and United doing him no favours in their eyes.
With that in mind, it had been suggested that Rooney's outburst would only serve to provoke the ill-feeling which exists between the two parties.
Ferocious
However, Ferguson believes the issue has been blown out of proportion and insists his man has not over-stepped the mark.
"Hate is an easy word to say, easier than dislike. Maybe it is not the right word," said the United boss.
"But Wayne has had plenty of stick from Liverpool fans over the years, so it is understandable.
"He supported Everton as a kid and the rivalry between them and Liverpool is pretty ferocious now. Since then he has come to Manchester United and he wants to win.
"It is nothing out of the ordinary, really."
The Manchester United striker made the inflammatory comment to MUTV in the aftermath of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League success over Inter Milan.
Rooney was speaking ahead of the Red Devils' highly-anticipated Premier League clash with their bitter North West rivals at Old Trafford on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1.
The England international has regularly found himself the target for terrace abuse from Liverpool supporters, with his strong connections to both Everton and United doing him no favours in their eyes.
With that in mind, it had been suggested that Rooney's outburst would only serve to provoke the ill-feeling which exists between the two parties.
Ferocious
However, Ferguson believes the issue has been blown out of proportion and insists his man has not over-stepped the mark.
"Hate is an easy word to say, easier than dislike. Maybe it is not the right word," said the United boss.
"But Wayne has had plenty of stick from Liverpool fans over the years, so it is understandable.
"He supported Everton as a kid and the rivalry between them and Liverpool is pretty ferocious now. Since then he has come to Manchester United and he wants to win.
"It is nothing out of the ordinary, really."
