U-turn as Rooney signs new deal

Wayne Rooney performed a shock u-turn yesterday by signing a new five-year contract with Manchester United just days after appearing to be on his way out of Old Trafford.

Striker Wayne Rooney had rocked Manchester United on Wednesday by revealing that he wanted to leave the Premier League club because they no longer had enough ambition to compete for major honours.

However, United reopened talks with Rooney’s agent and announced yesterday that the player had made an astonishing u-turn and opted to commit his long-term future to the club.

Rooney, who was reportedly demanding wages of around £150,000 a week after tax in the original contract negotiations, insisted he agreed the new deal because Alex Ferguson had convinced him United remain committed to succeeding on the pitch.

“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.”

Ferguson had already revealed earlier in the week that contract talks with Rooney had broken down in August and it seemed certain the former Everton star would be sold.

Ferguson’s comments about Rooney’s failure to show respect for United seemed to signal a breakdown in their relationship.

But the United boss yesterday said he was delighted with Rooney’s decision

“It’s been a difficult week. I said to the boy that the door is always open and I’m delighted Wayne has agreed to stay,” he said.

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

Rooney had been increasingly linked with a move to arch rivals Manchester City, prompting an angry reaction from fans.

One group protested at his house on Thursday and had to be moved on by police.

Rooney’s form in recent months had been well below par and it remains to be seen if he will be welcomed back in the dressing room.

However, Ferguson, who is confident Rooney can go on to become one of United’s all-time greats, claimed the player had apologised to him and his team-mates.

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

“He will also do so with the supporters.”

Rooney has no doubts he can regain the trust of United’s supporters and he added: “The fans have been brilliant with me since I arrived and it’s up to me through my performances to win them over again.”

Meanwhile, Rooney has been ruled out for three weeks with an ankle injury. He has already sat out matches against Valencia and Sunderland prior to the international break as a result of the injury.

He could now miss the first derby of the season against Manchester City on November 10, as well as three other league games against Stoke, Tottenham and Wolves and a Champions League tie against Bursaspor.