Rio Ferdinand: Wayne Rooney 'Used to Smash Phones in Fits of Rage' in Early Manchester United Days

Rio Ferdinand has described his former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney as a "very angry young man" during the early stages of his career at Old Trafford.

Rooney joined United from Everton in 2004 with a reputation as England's outstanding young talent - but also with one that allowed his frustration to boil over at the most importune moments.

The striker was sent off three times before his 21<sup>st birthday, for Everton, United and England, most infamously while representing the Three Lions in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final against Portugal.

The 28-year-old has considerably curbed his temper over the years, though, and now stands as captain for both club and country.

But Ferdinand, who played alongside the United star for 10 years, revealed the extent of his former teammate's notorious temper, suggesting he "went through phones like sweets" after smashing them in fits of rage.

In his new autobiography, #2Sides, currently being serialised by The Sun, Ferdinand wrote: "Wayne Rooney always struck me as a very angry man, always arguing with people outside the training ground, especially on the phone.

"He seemed to fly into a rage about the smallest things and went through mobile phones like they were sweets. He'd smash the phone up in frustration, throwing them on the concrete.

"I don't know what happened but he did calm down."

Ferdinand, 35, who signed for Queens Park Rangers after being released by United in the summer, also commented on David Moyes' disastrous reign at Old Trafford and his role in the John Terry race row in his new book.

The ex-England captain made his return to Old Trafford on 14 September but could do little to stop his former side securing their first victory of the season with a 4-0 win.