"Only Real and City can afford Rooney"

Danny Mills believes only Manchester City and Real Madrid are likely to have the funds available to buy Wayne Rooney.

Rooney has reportedly fallen out with Sir Alex Ferguson after the England international contradicted the Red Devils manager by stating he has not been suffering from an ankle injury.

The 24-year-old, who turns 25 this Sunday, has reportedly broken off contract talks with United prompting fears he could walk away from the club when his deal expires in 2012.

However, it remains to be seen whether talks have stalled because of a row with Ferguson or that Rooney is looking to resolve issues in his private life before looking forward.

Rooney has failed to shine for United recently and, although he came off the bench in Saturday's 2-2 home draw with West Brom, he looked way below his best in his cameo.

Mills thinks United could cash in sooner rather than later in order to reduce their debt mountain, although cash-rich neighbours City are only one of two clubs who could possibly match the asking price.

City have already snapped up ex-United forward Carlos Tevez, who is a firm fans' favourite at Eastlands, and Mills believes Rooney could galvanise his form once again alongside his former team-mate.

"He brought him on with 20 minutes to go and when Rooney came on he looked poor," Mills told Sky Sports News Radio.

"We've seen it before with David Beckham and Roy Keane. If you cross Alex Ferguson eventually you are shown the door. It's always been proved that no one player is bigger than Manchester United, however big a player you are.

"Rumours are rife that Rooney's contract talks have been put on hold, which is possibly understandable. Whether that's because of a row with Sir Alex or whether that's just his personal life and he wants to get other things sorted.

"There are rumours he could be leaving United in January. They will look to cash in for around £50million, which would reduce the debt at the club.

"How can you replace Wayne Rooney? I think what will be very difficult is where can you sell him to? You have to look at the clubs with money and instantly their biggest rivals Manchester City.

"There was the Carlos Tevez affair. Emmanuel Adebayor is not the flavour of the month and no doubt that if Rooney was available they have the funds. It means he wouldn't have to move. It would upset a lot of United fans, but it would be a fantastic coup for City. United, Rooney and Tevez had played so well together in the past. Who knows?

"Unless it gets sorted out very, very quickly and Rooney signs a new deal I think this is the beginning of the end. The other team he could go to would be Real Madrid. Mourinho is a big fan.

"Would it suit Rooney better? Quite possibly. Going abroad, getting away from the media attention and the press speculation that surrounds him in England.

"I'd watch this space very, very carefully. The way developments are going there are obviously problems at United. It looks at the moment that United are more likely to get rid of Rooney than he's likely to stay."

Rooney stays at Manchester United!

Wayne Rooney has agreed a new five-year contract with Manchester United, ending speculation about his future.

The club confirmed the news on Friday lunchtime, ending an amazing week in which Rooney claimed the Old Trafford outfit no longer matched his ambitions.

Yet after a staggering 24-hour period, and demonstration by irate supporters at Rooney's house in Prestbury, Rooney is now set to stay at Old Trafford.

"Sometimes, when you're in a club, it can be hard to realise just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand," said boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is."

It barely seemed credible such a position could be arrived at so quickly. But the conciliatory nature of a holding statement from United last night suggested rapprochement was in the offing.

And, after consultation with the owners, who allayed his fears about the future direction of United, Rooney agreed to extend his contract, which will now expire in 2015.

"It's been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United," said Ferguson.

"I said to the boy that the door is always open and I am delighted Wayne has agreed to stay.

"I am pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United's great players.

"It shows character and belief in what we stand for.

"I am sure everyone involved with the club will now get behind Wayne and show him the support he needs to produce the performances we know he is capable of."

Rooney recognises damage has been done, possibly inside the dressing room and certainly with the fans who have regarded him as one of their own since he first arrived from Everton in 2004.

He also understands the need to improve his form, which has suffered so badly since he sustained an ankle injury against Bayern Munich in March, the last time he scored a goal for his club in open play.

"I am delighted to sign another deal at United," he said.

"In the last couple of days, I have talked to the manager and the owners and they have convinced me this is where I belong.

"I said on Wednesday the manager is a genius and it is his belief and support that have convinced me to stay.

"I am signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history - which is the reason I joined the club in the first place.

"I am sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they have read and seen.

"But my position was from concern over the future.

"The fans have been brilliant with me since I arrived and it's up to me through my performances to win them over again."

United confirmed the news, ending an amazing week, which included Rooney insisting the Old Trafford outfit no longer matched his ambitions.

Yet after a staggering 24-hour period, and demonstration by irate supporters at Rooney's house in Prestbury, Rooney is now set to stay at Old Trafford.

"Sometimes, when you're in a club, it can be hard to realise just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is."

It barely seemed credible such a position could be arrived at so quickly.

But the conciliatory nature of a holding statement from United last night suggested rapprochement was in the offing.

And, after consultation with the owners, who allayed his fears about the future direction of United, Rooney agreed to extend his contract, which will now expire in 2015.

"It's been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United," said Ferguson.

"I said to the boy that the door is always open and I am delighted Wayne has agreed to stay.

"I am pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United's great players.

"It shows character and belief in what we stand for.

"I am sure everyone involved with the club will now get behind Wayne and show him the support he needs to produce the performances we know he is capable of."

Rooney: I wanted to stay at United

Wayne Rooney has revealed he was determined to snatch the olive branch held out by Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Old Trafford outfit confirmed that Rooney has agreed a new five-year contract with United, which will keep him at the club until 2015.

It was a declaration that scarcely could have been imagined earlier this week, when the split between Rooney and Ferguson appeared beyond repair.

Yet, both in a passionate pre-match press conference and during a long defence of his own recruitment policy immediately after Wednesday night's Champions League victory over Bursaspor, Ferguson insisted he wanted Rooney to stay.

And the 24-year-old immediately asked trusted adviser Paul Stretford to set up meetings which concluded in today's announcement after a whirlwind 24 hours.

"Since it became public knowledge we had to move quicker than everybody expected," Rooney told MUTV.

"Once it all came out, it looked as though there was nowhere to go.

"But the manager made it quite clear the door was still open for me to sign. The club still wanted me to sign.

"I spoke to my agent and said 'let's go in and sit down and try to resolve it to get the deal done'.

"We went in, spoke with the manager, the Glazers and David Gill. I am really pleased we managed to sort it out."

In referring to Ferguson as "a genius" in his own damning statement about the club's recruitment policy on Wednesday evening, Rooney quashed speculation the pair had fallen out over the United boss' handling of his star striker's well documented private problems.

Rooney insists Ferguson was not the sole reason for his decision to stay. But he admits the Scot is a powerful influence on his career.

"I am sure it has been difficult for him as well," acknowledged Rooney.

"He has to look after the club and was trying to convince me to sign a new deal at the club.

"He is a great manager. I have said many times one of the big reasons I joined this club was to work under him, with his experience, passion and will to win.

"I wanted to be successful working with him.

"I have managed to do that. I am hoping in the next few years we can do that again."

Fergie: Rooney said sorry to us

Sir Alex Ferguson revealed Wayne Rooney has apologised after signing a five-year contract with Manchester United.

The announcement was made by the Old Trafford club this lunchtime, ending one of the most amazing weeks in their history, which started with hints at unrest and included Rooney's own concerns about the direction United were heading in.

"Wayne has apologised to me and the players," Ferguson told Key103.

"He will also do so with the supporters."

The statement came at the end of a staggering 24-hour period, which involved meetings between Ferguson, chief executive David Gill, Rooney and his trusted advisor Paul Stretford, plus the Glazer family.

Irate supporters gathered at Rooney's house in Prestbury last night to express their concern, only to discover the 24-year-old is now set to stay at Old Trafford.

"Sometimes, when you're in a club, it can be hard to realise just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand," said Sir Ferguson.

"I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is."

It barely seemed credible such a position could be arrived at so quickly.

But the conciliatory nature of a holding statement from United last night suggested rapprochement was in the offing.

And, after consultation with the owners, who allayed his fears about the future direction of United, Rooney agreed to extend his contract, which will now expire in 2015.

"It's been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United," said Ferguson.

"I said to the boy that the door is always open and I am delighted Wayne has agreed to stay.

"I am pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United's great players.

"It shows character and belief in what we stand for.

"I am sure everyone involved with the club will now get behind Wayne and show him the support he needs to produce the performances we know he is capable of."

Rooney recognises damage has been done, possibly inside the dressing room and certainly with the fans who have regarded him as one of their own since he first arrived from Everton in 2004.

He also understands the need to improve his form, which has suffered so badly since he sustained an ankle injury against Bayern Munich in March, the last time he scored a goal for his club in open play.

"I am delighted to sign another deal at United," he said.

"In the last couple of days, I have talked to the manager and the owners and they have convinced me this is where I belong.

"I said on Wednesday the manager is a genius and it is his belief and support that have convinced me to stay.

"I am signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history - which is the reason I joined the club in the first place.

"I am sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they have read and seen.

"But my position was from concern over the future.

"The fans have been brilliant with me since I arrived and it's up to me through my performances to win them over again."

Coleen trusts Wayne again: Just three months after his vice girl fling, she prepares to jet off on holiday without him

By Chris Hastings

Last updated at 11:45 PM on 25th December 2010

* Comments (19)

* Add to My Stories

Wayne Rooney is making amends for a troubled year by paying to send his wife Coleen and her entire family on a luxury Caribbean cruise.

And she, in return, is demonstrating that she trusts her husband – just three months after a £1,200-a-night prostitute claimed he slept with her on several occasions – by allowing him to stay home alone.

The 25-year-old England star cannot go with them because of footballing commitments, but Coleen, their year-old son Kai, her parents Tony and Colette,

her brothers Joe and Anthony and her adopted sister Rosie, 12, will all embark on the Disney cruise on Tuesday.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/artic...l#ixzz3K3UuACtW

Rooney: I was bang out of order

Wayne Rooney now accepts that he was wrong to demand assurances about Manchester United's future before signing a new contract.

Although the 25-year-old is still waiting for his first goal in open play since March, he has at least begun to regain the form that suffered so badly at the World Cup and beyond.

Rooney seems to have made a fresh start since that tumultuous October week when he announced his intention to leave and claimed he was worried about the direction United were heading in.

A sensational six days ended with Rooney committing his future to the Old Trafford outfit for another five-and-a-half years, 24 hours after a visit to his street in Prestbury by 30 masked men.

He now looks back at that period and accepts mistakes were made.

"I went to see the manager and David Gill and asked them for answers," he recalled in an exclusive MUTV interview with former United European Cup-winner Paddy Crerand.

"Now I realise it has nothing to do with me, but I wanted to make sure it was the right thing for me to do.

"I got the answers in the end but looking back it was probably wrong of me to do that."

Rooney did not commit himself to Old Trafford until after a visit from a hooded gang of around 30 to his plush mansion in Prestbury.

It was an alarming evening for Rooney, who could not even venture out to tell his "visitors" that agreement had already been reached.

"I looked out and saw 30 blokes with their hoods up. I wasn't going to invite them in for tea," he recalled.

"But I didn't even think about where I was going to go. There was no way I would have gone to Manchester City and there was more chance of me going to City than Liverpool."

"I understood some of the fans were disappointed and felt let down. But it was just one of those things I had to get right.

"Thankfully I have sorted it out now. I have made the right decision and made myself happy."

Rooney: I'd like to be a manager

Manchester United and England star Wayne Rooney has already started planning for life as a manager.

Sir Alex Ferguson has often reported receiving hints from Rooney about his United team selections, advice he usually ignores.

However, it seems the 25-year-old is serious when considering what to do when his own playing days are over.

In an extensive MUTV interview with former United European Cup winner Paddy Crerand, Rooney confirmed he has started to take his coaching badges, and has no fears about beginning a new career on the bottom rung of the ladder.

"I would like to be a manager. That would be my ambition when I finish playing," said Rooney.

"You see the players who have played for Sir Alex and gone on to be good managers. I am hoping to do that one day.

"But I wouldn't like to follow the manager here, or start at an Everton or Manchester United.

"I want to learn something about the lower leagues and build a reputation that way rather than just jumping into a big club.

"It is not right if someone goes in and gets a big job with no experience. There are managers who have worked for years trying to get that."

Rooney also reflected on England's "terrible" World Cup campaign and his attack on the national team's supporters immediately after the goalless draw with Algeria in Cape Town.

"The emotions were high because we weren't winning," he said.

"Our fans were booing after 10 minutes. That is what I was saying. It was disappointing."

In addition, he also reveals that on the day four years earlier when Cristiano Ronaldo was condemned for trying to get Rooney sent off in Gelsenkirchen, the England man had been guilty of a very similar offence earlier in the game when his then team-mate took a dive.

"I went up to the referee and said he had dived and he should be booked. No one saw that," he shrugged.

"Everyone saw mine because it was a red card."

Rooney still misses Ronaldo now and cannot believe the Portugal superstar is not among the three nominees for this year's Ballon D'Or.

United will not get him back though, which means Rooney must take the scrutiny of his own career, and the present failure to score a goal in open play since March.

"I want to score in every game," he said.

"But the most important thing is for the team to win.

"We have been doing well since I came back and I know I will start scoring goals again, I have no worries about that."

Reid: Rooney's a dangerous animal

West Bromwich Albion's Steven Reid is wary of facing Manchester United's "dangerous animal" Wayne Rooney on Saturday.

West Brom will be without key defenders Gabriel Tamas and Gonzalo Jara through suspension when the Barclays Premier League leaders visit on Saturday.

As a result, manager Roberto Di Matteo could be forced to deploy midfielder Reid as a right-back for the game against United - putting the Irish man directly in the firing line to mark Rooney.

"Maybe Rooney's not hit the heights he did last season but he's a dangerous animal," Reid was quoted in the Sun as saying.

"It's only a matter of time that he scores from open play - he's still one of the best players in the world."

Central defender Tamas is out for three games after being sent off against Blackburn, while right-back Jara has picked up five yellow cards and will be suspended for the United clash.

Fergie: Rooney is getting there

Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is not concerned at Wayne Rooney's continuing goal drought.

The Manchester United striker has still not scored for his club in open play since March and the barren run continued in the 2-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

Instead it is forward partner Dimitar Berbatov grabbing the headlines and another double for the Bulgarian took his tally to 13, as well as extending United's unbeaten record to 17 games and consolidating their position on top of the table.

However, Ferguson is delighted with Rooney's overall contribution and has no fears for the England hit-man.

"Wayne had a couple of tries today," reflected the United boss.

"He was very unlucky with the chip and there were a couple of shots saved by the goalkeeper.

"He is getting there. The important thing is he is playing well. That is refreshing."

Rooney is making a positive contribution. It was his excellent chip that set Berbatov up for his fourth-minute opener, although, after blowing a succession of first-half chances, United's record signing required the assistance of a massive deflection off Anton Ferdinand to seal the points after the break.

"Dimitar could have scored four or five today," said Ferguson. "He had some terrific opportunities.

"I was disappointed with the score at half-time.

"We hit the bar and the post. Their keeper has made a couple of good saves and we played some really good football.

"It was exciting stuff but then we just seemed to go into third gear."

Part of the reason for that was the knowledge United's opponents on Tuesday, Birmingham, had their feet up following the postponement of their game at Everton.

Blues boss Alex McLeish took the opportunity to watch Ferguson's side in action, although he is set to be greeted with the presence of Nani at St Andrew's, the Portugal winger set to recover from the hip injury that kept him out of Sunday's encounter.

Darren Fletcher was also sidelined with a heavy cold.

He too could come into contention though as Ferguson intends to make a couple of changes to his starting line-up.

"We have come into good form," he said.

"In the last few weeks we have played some very good stuff. We are getting that consistency, particularly in our defending.

"We are looking solid at the back. These are good signs for us. It is an important time to get that.

"Birmingham will be fresh. Going down there is always a difficult place to go to. They have always had a strong home record and are difficult to beat on their own ground.

"We are aware of that. I will make a couple of changes to freshen that part up. Hopefully we will get the result we want."

As someone who was part of the first United side that won the Premier League 18 years ago, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce can tell a decent team when he sees one.

And he doesn't buy into the argument that this Red Devils group are an inferior outfit.

"I have heard it said that United are not playing that well," he said.

"Well, they are unbeaten for six months, so that is not a bad statistic is it?

"They are top of the league, with games in hand, and history suggests they always get better in the second half of the season.

"Maybe we were a bit naive today. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say you were well beaten.

Fergie: Rooney is getting there

Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is not concerned at Wayne Rooney's continuing goal drought.

The Manchester United striker has still not scored for his club in open play since March and the barren run continued in the 2-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

Instead it is forward partner Dimitar Berbatov grabbing the headlines and another double for the Bulgarian took his tally to 13, as well as extending United's unbeaten record to 17 games and consolidating their position on top of the table.

However, Ferguson is delighted with Rooney's overall contribution and has no fears for the England hit-man.

"Wayne had a couple of tries today," reflected the United boss.

"He was very unlucky with the chip and there were a couple of shots saved by the goalkeeper.

"He is getting there. The important thing is he is playing well. That is refreshing."

Rooney is making a positive contribution. It was his excellent chip that set Berbatov up for his fourth-minute opener, although, after blowing a succession of first-half chances, United's record signing required the assistance of a massive deflection off Anton Ferdinand to seal the points after the break.

"Dimitar could have scored four or five today," said Ferguson. "He had some terrific opportunities.

"I was disappointed with the score at half-time.

"We hit the bar and the post. Their keeper has made a couple of good saves and we played some really good football.

"It was exciting stuff but then we just seemed to go into third gear."

Part of the reason for that was the knowledge United's opponents on Tuesday, Birmingham, had their feet up following the postponement of their game at Everton.

Blues boss Alex McLeish took the opportunity to watch Ferguson's side in action, although he is set to be greeted with the presence of Nani at St Andrew's, the Portugal winger set to recover from the hip injury that kept him out of Sunday's encounter.

Darren Fletcher was also sidelined with a heavy cold.

He too could come into contention though as Ferguson intends to make a couple of changes to his starting line-up.

"We have come into good form," he said.

"In the last few weeks we have played some very good stuff. We are getting that consistency, particularly in our defending.

"We are looking solid at the back. These are good signs for us. It is an important time to get that.

"Birmingham will be fresh. Going down there is always a difficult place to go to. They have always had a strong home record and are difficult to beat on their own ground.

"We are aware of that. I will make a couple of changes to freshen that part up. Hopefully we will get the result we want."

As someone who was part of the first United side that won the Premier League 18 years ago, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce can tell a decent team when he sees one.

And he doesn't buy into the argument that this Red Devils group are an inferior outfit.

"I have heard it said that United are not playing that well," he said.

"Well, they are unbeaten for six months, so that is not a bad statistic is it?

"They are top of the league, with games in hand, and history suggests they always get better in the second half of the season.

"Maybe we were a bit naive today. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say you were well beaten.

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