10 Most Memorable Failed Transfer Sagas
4. Wayne Rooney - Man United To Chelsea
It still seems an alien concept that Wayne Rooney could have been lining out last season in a Chelsea jersey. Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson mischieviously let the cat out of the bag as he bid adieu, claiming that the former Everton striker protégé was on the look-out for a new club, speculation was rife that Rooney would be parting company with Manchester United.
On 17 July, Chelsea issued a statement, confirming that they had issued a £20 million bid for the English goal-poacher, as they looked to shore up their dearth of goal-scoring resources. Manchester United, signalling their intent to keep Rooney at the club, turned down the bid, before Abramovich returned with an improved offer of £30 million two weeks later.
In the interim period, reports emerged that the Man United number ten was angry and confused regarding mixed comments from Moyes, indicating that while Rooney wouldnt be sold, he was needed to play second fiddle to Robin van Persie.
Following the second rebuffed bid, and the transfer window drawing to a close, Mourinho urged Rooney to go public and make his sentiments about the potential transfer known. With Samuel Etoo lined up as a Plan B, Mourinho was beginning to grow frustrated with the lengthy ordeal.
''The person that started the story has to finish the story. A club like us, a manager like me we are not silly to try to get a player from a big club that doesnt sell what they dont want to sell. It depends on his reaction and his feelings. If now he doesnt want to leave, we are out of the thing. But we need to know. We need to know what is happening. Jose Mourinho, August 2013.