London, May 6 : Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has told Wayne Rooney that the secret to a happy marriage is to have children.

The England striker is to wed childhood sweetheart Coleen McLoughlin in Italy next month.

Sir Alex recommended starting a family to the 22-year-olds in a club magazine interview.

The dad of three said: "There will always be ups and downs in any marriage, but having a family helps. It gives you something to work together for. That was the case with us. I've been married 41 years now."

A club source said: "Sir Alex is keen to see young stars settling down. He thinks it encourages them to grow up and keep them out of trouble."

ANI