London, Nov. 26 : Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has apologized to coach Alex Ferguson for diving to try to win a penalty during the match against Villarreal.

The Manchester United striker fell when Villarreal’s Fabricio Fuentes went to challenge him.

Old Trafford boss Fergie, whose side booked a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, insisted: “It is uncharacteristic of Wayne. He thought he was going to be tackled and made the most of thought he was going to be tackled and made the most of it. But he has seen it again and apologized to me.”

“You don’t usually see it from him. Maybe he had been watching Robert Pires too much. At least he said sorry. You would not hear Pires saying that, bloody hell!” The Sun quoted Fergie, as saying.

Rooney, who escaped a booking for simulation, added: “I thought I was going to get kicked and tried to ride the challenge.” (ANI)