£25.6 million plus add-ons. A fee which was a record for a teenager. On his debut, a Champions League match against Fenerbache, Rooney introduced himself with aplomb. He scored a hat-trick and whilst he was already a fans favourite following his signature, this feat further cemented him as such. Following years of successes, on 19th October 2010, Sir Alex Ferguson stated that Wayne Rooney wants to leave Manchester United and will therefore not be extending his contract (BBC Sport). In what was considered as a huge u-turn, within a few days, Wayne Rooney extended his contract, withdrew his transfer request and therefore pledged his allegiance with the club (BBC Sport). Back then, the player himself claimed that he wanted "assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world" (Sky Sports). This episode lead to a number of supporters losing respect towards the player, however, as time passed, wounds started to heal and affection towards Rooney started to grow again. The player went on to score an important penalty in a 1-1 draw against Blackburn, a draw which secured United's 19th English league title and thus overcoming Liverpool's achievement of 18 league championships. In the following season, United lost the league to Manchester City on goal difference. Sir Alex Ferguson, promised that such a thing would never happen again (ITV). This lead to an interesting transfer window in Summer 2012. Manchester United signed one of the Bundesliga's best players, Shinji Kagawa (BBC Sport) and even more audaciously signed Robin Van Persie (Independent) from rivals Arsenal. Van Persie had been voted the Premier League's best player (BBC Sport) and top goal scorer for 2011/12. Wayne Rooney's worries about whether the club is able to attract the world's best talent were certainly put to bed. United went on to win the Premier League with an 11-point advantage with Robin van Persie finishing yet again as the league's top scorer. Wayne Rooney scored 12 goals in comparison to Van Persie's 26 goals. It should be said that Rooney played in a deeper role on a number of occasions. As the successful 2012/13 season came to an end, a double surprise awaited. After having to gulp down Sir Alex's decision to retire, Manchester United supporters had to once again endure Wayne Rooney's request to leave the club as Ferguson revealed. Sir Alex also stated that it will be the new Manager who will make a decision on the player's future (Daily Mail). In his first press conference, new Manchester United Manager David Moyes made a clear statement - "Wayne is not for sale." Such claims haven't stopped Chelsea from bidding for the player (ESPN) and for their returning coach, Mourinho, to openly court the player (Guardian). In the midst of this, Sky Sports have reported that the player is feeling "angry and confused" thus potentially challenging Moyes' stance that the player is not for sale. Why is the player feeling so? According to Manchester United's former player, Michael Owen, Rooney's emotions contract his feelings back in 2010. Owen says that: "Rooney wants to be the top man, the main goalscorer, and I think thats what it all boils down to. I think one thing that may have knocked him off his stride a bit last season was Robin van Persie coming in and becoming the main man." (Metro). On the other hand, fresh reports claim that this all goes down to Rooney's deteriorating relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson and his fear that the latter will still be a big influence at the club despite stepping down as Manager (Guardian). Rooney appears to not have appreciated playing in midfield towards the tail-end of the season as this limited his chance to score goals. This would confirm Owen's judgement of the situation. Is Rooney jealous of Van Persie's rising fame and adulation? Rooney's behaviour has lead to supporters despising him as they feel that the player is disrespecting the club. David Moyes, made it it clear that instances where players trying to grow bigger than the club, won't be tolerated. He also stated that the Dutchman is now the leading striker at the club (Sky Sports). As claimed by Daniel Storey it looks as if Wayne Rooney's own words are coming back to haunt him. What should be done at the stage? Is reconciliation an option? David Moyes is emphasizing that Wayne Rooney is not for sale (Sky Sports), however, as Chelsea are rumoured to be preparing an improved bid (Daily Mail), most probably the United Manager is playing hard ball in order to increase the value of the offer. On the other hand, to date it appears as if it is only Chelsea who have bid for the player whilst Wenger has thus far admitted an interest (Sky Sports). In my opinion, it is highly unlikely that United will sell Rooney to an English counterpart. United will be hoping that foreign clubs will show an interest. In the past, Real Madrid, Barcelona (ESPN) and PSG were all rumoured as possible destinations however the latter's Manager, Laurent Blanc, has dismissed their interest (Sky Sports). The club would most probably be willing to accept an offer in the region of £30 million. At this stage, it is looking likely that it is too late for Wayne Rooney to rebuild bridges with the supporters, following his behaviour. Supporters are now also questioning his passion, an attribute which made him a fan's favourite in the first place, whilst also doubting his love and genuine commitment for the team. In 2012, two years after the first instance when he asked to leave the club, Wayne Rooney claimed that asking to leave United was the biggest mistake of his career whilst also claiming that he wants to end his career at Manchester United (The Telegraph). Yet, less than a year after making such a statement, the players looks as if he wants to leave the club again. Whilst David Moyes has made it clear that the player is not for sale and that he would like the player to remain at the club, Wayne Rooney never publicly stated his intentions. This casts further doubt on the player's conduct. Wayne Rooney should always be respected for what he achieved at and for United. He could have been heralded as one of the clubs greatest ever, however these antics have tainted his reputation. Rooney could have forever been written in the history books by becoming United's highest ever goal scorer. Currently in 4th position, the former Evertonian is only 52 goals behind all time top goal scorer Sir Bobby Charlton (ManUtd.com). A feat which is certainly achievable given Rooney's age. However, it looks as if he is no longer inclined towards being a member of this part. Unluckily, it appears that his time at the Red Devils is quickly running out. This will no doubt develop into one of the summer's top transfer saga and certainly there are many other twists and turns to go through.
