Rooney 'not for sale', say Man United

Published May 9, 2013
Wayne Rooney. -Photo by AFP
Wayne Rooney. -Photo by AFP

LONDON: Manchester United reacted to rumours about Wayne Rooney's future at the club by insisting on Thursday that the England striker is “not for sale”.

After Alex Ferguson announced his shock retirement as United manager on Wednesday, reports emerged that Rooney had informed the Scot of his desire to leave the club in an informal conversation two weeks ago.

However, United dismissed the idea, with a spokesman saying: “Wayne Rooney is not for sale.”

The story threatens to derail Rooney's reunion with his former manager at Everton, David Moyes, who was on Thursday expected to be formally appointed as Ferguson's successor at Old Trafford.

Rooney was handed his Everton debut by Moyes in 2002 and joined United two years later in a 27 million pound ($42 million, 31.9 million euros) transfer that made him the world's most expensive teenage player.

The striker's position at United has fallen under scrutiny in recent weeks after he was left on the bench for a vital Champions League knockout game at home to Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old previously issued a transfer request in 2010, only to change his mind and sign a new five-year contract with United.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...