Gill expects Rooney stay

Departing Manchester United chief executive David Gill believes Wayne Rooney will stay at the club next season.

Retiring manager Alex Ferguson confirmed the England international had asked to leave Old Trafford, with reports suggesting Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are interested in the forward’s services, as well as Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea.

“As Sir Alex said at his last press conference, that’s an issue for David Moyes. I’m confident he will be there next season,” Gill said.

“He’s a great, great player and the club doesn’t want to lose its star players.

“So I’m sure every bit of work is being taken with Wayne and his advisors and the club to make sure that happens.

“I’m not a betting man but I’m confident when I sit at Old Trafford next season I will see Wayne Rooney running out.”

Gill was speaking after he had been elected to the UEFA executive committee among seven other candidates for the eight available seats.

Fernando Gomes of Portugal had withdrawn from the election resulting in a simple process for the remaining individuals.

Manchester United also confirmed the departures of assistant manager Mike Phelan and goalkeeping coach Eric Steele on Friday.

Phelan was promoted to the role of assistant in 2008 after previously serving as a first-team coach, while Steele replaced Tony Coton in the same year.

“I would like to put on record the club’s thanks for everything Mike and Eric have done,” said David Moyes who will take over at Old Trafford on July 1.

“I will be looking to appoint my own members of coaching staff at some point in the future, however, I’d like to take the opportunity to give them both our best wishes for their future careers.”