Men in Black: The gang warned the striker not to join their bitter rivals Man City after he
demanded a transfer
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On Wednesday United's one-nil Champions League win over Turkish champions Bursaspor was a sideshow as the war of words raged on between Rooney and manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Yesterday Sir Alex and the club's chief executive, David Gill, met to decide their next move. In a statement the club said: 'We are aware that there is intense public and media interest on the club at the moment, but there are no developments of note to report," read an official club statement. 'We can confirm a number of meetings have taken place today, including with the player's representative. 'The outcome of those meetings will become clear in the near future. In the meantime, fans are asked to be patient.' Rooney dropped his bombshell transfer request just hours before the kick-off on Wednesday shocking fans in side Old Trafford. He claimed was leaving because the club were not prepared to invest in world-class players to win trophies.And he said he was 'surprised' by the version of events given by Sir Alex in his press conference on Tuesday
Rooney said: 'I met with David Gill (Man United chief executive) last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad. Then I told him I would not be signing a new contract.' After the match Ferguson hit back saying his star will not find a better club. And commenting on the fact it was his 2,000th match in charge of United, he said: 'After the week I have had it feels more like my 10.000th game.' As star player and manager fought it out, another leading figure in the Rooney saga was enjoying the limelight. There seems to be no way back for Rooney with Manchester United and it seems certain he will leave in the January transfer window. His statement, released without the approval of the club, challenged Ferguson's authority. Ferguson - who pointed out he had won 30 trophies - believes Manchester United deserves better. Since Rooney moved to United from Everton six years ago he has won a European Cup, three Premier League titles, a world club championship and three League Cup. The player's statement said: 'I was interested to hear what Sir Alex had to say yesterday and surprised by some of it.
'It is absolutely true, as he said, that my agent and I have had a number of meetings with the club about a new contract. During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world. 'I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?' 'For me its all about winning trophies - as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified. 'Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18. 'For Manchester United's sake I wish he could go on forever because he's a one off and a genius.' On Tuesday Ferguson questioned the striker's respect for the club.He said: 'I was in the office on August 14 when David Gill told me he’d had a call from (Rooney's) agent saying that Wayne wasn’t going to sign his contract. 'So then David came across to see me. He said he couldn’t believe it and neither could I. 'I was dumbfounded, I couldn’t understand it at all because only months before he’d said he was at the biggest club in the world and he wanted to stay for life. 'We just don’t know what’s changed the boy’s mind. David was shocked, I was shocked.
'I had a meeting with the boy and he reiterated what his agent had said. He wanted to go. I said to him, "Just remember one thing: respect this club. I don’t want any nonsense from you, respect your club". 'What we’re seeing now in the media is disappointing because we’ve done everything we can for Wayne Rooney, since the minute he’s come to the club. 'We’ve always been there as a harbour for him. Any time he’s been in trouble, the advice we’ve given him – I’ve even been prepared to give him financial advice, many times. 'But you do that for your players, not just Wayne Rooney. That’s Manchester United. This is a club which bases all its history and its tradition on the loyalty and trust between managers and players and the club. 'That goes back to the days of Sir Matt. That’s what it’s founded on. Wayne’s been a beneficiary of this help, just as Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and all the players have been. That’s what we’re there for.' If he doesn't play for the club again meaning he could be paid £1million in wages for doing nothing before he is sold in January. But Ferguson left the door open slightly saying: 'There’s always an offer there for Manchester United to negotiate with a player. That’s still there.' Meanwhile a huge marquee was delivered to Rooney's home in preparation for a huge party on Sunday to celebrate his 25th birthday. It is not known if Sir Alex has accepted his invitation. |
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