Rooney inked a five-year deal with the Old Trafford club on Friday, just days after informing chief executive David Gill he wanted to leave amid rumours of a falling out between the England forward and manager Ferguson.

But Bosnich, who spent five years under Ferguson in two spells with United, claims the conflict was stage managed by Ferguson to improve Rooney's contract at the club.

Former Australia goalkeeper Bosnich also believes Ferguson had used the threat of Rooney leaving to pressure United's American owners, the Glazer family, into freeing up more money for him to bolster the squad.

"I don't think it was so much of a battle," Bosnich told Australia's Fox Sports. "He's (Ferguson) basically played a very, very smart move.

"He's got his best player, and someone who he is very close to, more money than he thought he was going to get.

"That's raised the salary ceiling that Manchester United would have had internally, so now that opens up the market for him to buy other players."

Rooney claimed last Wednesday that he was seeking a move away from Old Trafford, citing a lack of ambition from the club and an inability to attract the best possible talent.

Bosnich added: "As soon as Rooney came out and said 'I'm not so sure that the ambition is what it once was', that wasn't Wayne Rooney speaking - in my opinion that was Sir Alex Ferguson speaking."