Manchester United have denied Wayne Rooney has signed a new record-breaking contract, despite reports to the contrary.
It looked as though the England international was heading for the Old Trafford exit door during the summer, having fallen out with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson towards the end of last season. However, new boss David Moyes maintained throughout the window that his former Everton charge was not for sale, and the forward has gone on to play a key role this term despite the struggles off the reigning champions.
Rooney is about to enter the final year of his contract, but the Sun on Sunday has claimed that he has already agreed a new deal worth around £300,000-per-week, which would effectively see him see out the rest of his playing career at the club. And speaking on Sky Sports Sunday Supplement, the journalist behind the story, Charlie Wyett, went as far as to say the 28-year-old has even put pen-to-paper on the record terms.
“We are saying that he has not just agreed, but he has actually signed,” he said. “Obviously that has yet to be announced for Manchester United. I think he realises it is the best place for him still. I know others thought he might go to Chelsea or elsewhere, but I think (David) Moyes has had a series of meetings with him and convinced him to stay. I think Rooney will be the next captain of Manchester United and I think that it is a boost for Moyes.”
However, United have now responded to these reports, and insist no deal has been agreed. They will, though, be determined to tie him down to a new contract as soon as possible, otherwise they run the risk of losing him either for a knockdown price at the end of the season or, worse still, on a free transfer the following year. Paris St Germain, and particularly Chelsea, are sure to be monitoring developments closely.
Whilst Rooney remains a leading player for United, a large number of fans have lost patience with his desire to quit the club in the past. Not only did he reportedly want out after falling out with Ferguson last season, but in 2010 he confirmed he wanted to leave having accused the club of a lack of ambition. This led to him signing a new deal after talks with the manager, and a similar pattern could yet emerge this time round.
