United chief denies Rooney for sale

Wayne Rooney will not be leaving Manchester United, the club have confirmed.

The statement has quashed rumours that the England international would be departing Old Trafford this summer.

The suggestion arose after Rooney was left on the bench for last week’s game against Fulham, with new 24 million pounds striker Robin van Persie starting in his place.

Rooney did eventually come on as a substitute in the second half but after colliding with Hugo Rodellega the United striker sustained a gash to his thigh that will keep him out of action for two months.

“Wayne is definitely not for sale and I can categorically say there has been no discussion within the club or with his agent,” Manchester United Chief Executive David Gill told The Sun.

“He is in a long-term contract with us and is very integral to our team.

“Wayne’s a great player who has got a bad injury, but he will come back.”

Gill also suggested that with the strength in depth now afforded to Sir Alex Ferguson, the club should be expected to rotate their stars.

And with new signing van Persie, Gill believes United have a player determined to prove his worth at Old Trafford.

“He (Rooney) didn’t start on Saturday for various reasons. Alex Ferguson picks the best team to win the game and that’s it,” Gill said.

“He’s a manager who’s been so successful and there will be rotation.

“Robin van Persie has shown the desire to play for Manchester United. With him, Shinji Kagawa, Nick Powell, Alexander Buttner and Angelo Henriquez, we’ve refreshed pretty well.”