Wayne Rooney is one of the most decorated football players in the world, but is there a chance he could leave Manchester United for another high-profile team like Paris Saint-Germain? United manager Alex Ferguson says that will not happen and that Rooney will stay in red next year.
According to CNN.com, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has brushed off comments that Rooney could possible leave the team for someone like Paris Saint-Germain, calling it "absolute rubbish". The manager said that Rooney would be staying with the team and that he will be in Old Trafford next season.
The rumors started flying when Ferguson left Rooney on the bench during Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16, but the manager said it was a strategic choice and not anything about Rooney. He said it was "completely tactical" that he used Danny Welbeck and said there are no issues with Rooney.
"We don't always get it right but I think we did get it right.," Ferguson told the official Manchester United website. Danny Welbeck is the best player we have in terms of operating in a double role. There is absolutely no issue between Wayne Rooney and I. To suggest we don't talk to each other on the training ground is absolute nonsense."
United will be facing Chelsea in the quarterfinals of the English FA Cup Sunday and Ferguson said that Rooney will be ready for the match and will play.
"Wayne will be here next year," he promised. "You have my word on that. I have no issues at all with the player and he'll be involved on Sunday."
The reason for the rumors is due to the fact that Rooney has two years left on his contract and he has threatened to leave the team in the past, including in 2010, after which he was rewarded with a big contract. Rumors have said he could go to arch rival Manchester City, but the more likely option could be Paris Saint-Germain with star David Beckham.
City manager Roberto Mancini spoke Friday and dismissed the rumors.
Mancini said: "I don't know. I don't know this situation. I can understand Rooney would be upset if he didn't play but these are things that can happen in every team. After one week it is finished
"I think that Rooney is one of the best strikers in Europe but I think it is difficult he can leave Man United," added the Italian.