MANCHESTER (Sporting Alert) — Wayne Rooney looks well set to stay at Manchester United, following David Moyes’ conference first official press conference at the Europa Suite inside Old Trafford on Friday.
The new Manchester United boss, as expected, was asked about the future of the reported wantaway striker and he stated that the England international is not for sale and will not be sold.
“Wayne won’t be sold by Manchester United,” Moyes said. “He’s not for sale and will remain a Manchester United player.
“I’ve had several meetings with Wayne. He’s training brilliantly well, he’s come back in good shape and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
He added: “I am looking forward to getting get him back to the player that everyone knows he can be.
“I’ve been fortunate, I’ve known Wayne since he was 16,” Moyes said.
“We have spoken several times and as far as I’ve seen it, whatever happened before has gone.
“We are working together now. I see a glint in his eye, he looks happy and if he is saying I’m going to knuckle down and get it right – let’s not kid ourselves.
“He’s a terrific player and let me reiterate, he’s not for sale.”
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic also agreed that Rooney has been in super training form lately, adding that he looks in the best physical shape for the past five years.
“He has trained hard over the last few days. I think he’s looked in the best shape he has been in the last five years,” Vidic said.
Moyes also distanced himself from media reports linking Manchester United to other players, such as Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, stating that it is not his place to discuss situations about any player contracted to other clubs.
He did say: “This club is always interested in the best players.”
Meanwhile, Moyes said that the likes of Ashley Young, Chris Smalling and Nani (who has had an operation on his nose) are doubtful for the team’s upcoming tour.
The new manager also noted that Wilfried Zaha, who had a long season with Crystal Palace and then with the England U21 team, is due back in training and will be assessed on Monday, while midfield playmaker Shinji Kagawa will meet up with the squad in Japan.
However, Mexican striker Javier Hernandez, who recently finished up with the national team at the confederation cup, has been given more time to rest.
