Alex Ferguson has launched an impassioned defence of Wayne Rooney and says he will not try to change the temperamental Manchester United forward.

"If he didn't have that side to him he'd be criticised for just that. So what do you want? I'd rather have a player who showed a bit of heart than one who didn't. I don't want someone who accepts losing," said Ferguson.

He was responding to the criticism of Rooney that followed his petulant contribution to England's 1-0 defeat to Northern Ireland on Wednesday. The 19-year-old was fortunate to avoid being sent off for catching Keith Gillespie with a flailing arm and then subjected David Beckham to a stream of insults when the England captain remonstrated with him.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has said he contemplated substituting Rooney at half-time, but Ferguson shook his head disdainfully when it was put to him that the teenager needed bringing into line. "He doesn't like losing," he said. "Christ, do England want players who want to lose?"

Chelsea's manager Jose Mourinho was more conciliatory about Eriksson's criticism of Frank Lampard, saying: "Frank's form for the national team is one thing; another is his form in the club. When Mr Eriksson speaks, I listen. About his form in Chelsea, I speak and Eriksson is always very respectful and listens."

Nonetheless, Mourinho felt moved to speak in support of Lampard. The footballer of the year has recently become a father, a factor many have cited for his apparent loss of form. However, Mourinho suggested it had been an inspiration.

"You can become (a) better (player) after you become a father," said Mourinho. "Frank has been fantastic. I prefer Frank Lampard not at 100 per cent than other players who are at 100 per cent."

Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, has set a deadline of the end of this year to sort out a contract extension for Thierry Henry and is confident the striker will commit his future to Arsenal.

Talks over a new deal have stalled but Wenger said the club will sit down with Henry and his agent in the near future. "We want to sort it out this year," the manager said.

Arsenal are keen to secure the striker's signature soon because his contract ends at the end of next season.

The 28-year-old captain has made it plain he has no desire to move but hinted that he wants to see the progress the club makes.

Wenger admitted recently that Henry seemed less enthusiastic than him about holding negotiations straight away but added yesterday: "We did not formally sit down with him so it was an impression, not a refusal that we got. We are not especially worried as we are sure about his commitment to the club, so I don't think he will go. But we will do it soon, it's one of our priorities.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have confirmed a one-year sponsorship deal with Malaysian-based low-cost airline Air Asia.