About Atkinson:
"It was pretty obvious that Ron was going to get the job. In fact, he'd had a fax from Jack Warner confirming it.
"But the players were then asked at a team meeting what they thought about Ron - and I felt it was my duty to speak out.
"Ron has been good to me. I played under him for four years and I didn't see one bit of evidence that he was a racist. But I couldn't condone or defend the insult he made about Marcel Desailly.
"I voiced my opinion as captain of the team, as I was asked to. I also said Ron was a good manager who was capable of getting us to the World Cup - but the remarks he made eventually came back to haunt him."
About training with United:
"Sir Alex and his staff were tremendous when I trained with them and when I left he wished me all the best and sent me a little message about the England game.
"I'm not saying exactly what he told me ...but let's just say he'll be more than happy if we get a result against them.
"I bought him a couple of bottles of good wine to thank him and I know he will be toasting a good World Cup for us, especially when we p l ay England!
"I trained with United right up until the last game of the Premiership season and for that I really do thank Sir Alex.
"He made sure I was treated like a member of his first-team squad, getting involved in all the training, and it really helped me get my fitness right for the World Cup.
"I wore the same kit, had to be bang on time every day and I did all the sessions. It was just like being a United player again.
''I am on good terms with Sir Alex now despite what happened in the past. I didn't leave in the best of circumstances but I don't have any problem with him because he's a winner and he feels the need to do certain things to keep United at the top."
About Rooney:
"I got to know Wayne well. He is a great person and a fantastic player and I hope from the bottom of my heart he is fit for the World Cup.
"I left him a few messages after he got injured, telling him to keep believing.
"It has taken me all my career to qualify for the World Cup and I want to play against the best - and that means Wayne Rooney."