Man United: Rooney says Pogba transfer is down to the club
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney was convinced into staying at Old Trafford by David Moyes in 2013. But the Scot reportedly issued a brutal comment to the England international at a time where Chelsea were eager to secure his signature.
Rooney wanted to leave Manchester United for Chelsea in the summer of 2013 having grown disillusioned with life at Old Trafford.
Even though Sir Alex Ferguson left the club, the Derby star felt that the time was right to pursue a new challenge - and Stamford Bridge was his favoured destination.
United ultimately convinced Rooney into staying, with the club reluctant to let Jose Mourinho have one of their prized assets.
Moyes was manager at the time and the Scot regarded keeping Rooney was a major transfer victory.
But The Athletic say the Scot also issued a brutal putdown to the forward at the time.
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He managed to usurp Robin van Persie to become the club’s talisman, with the Dutchman’s form under Moyes dropping off drastically.
And, while Moyes left, Rooney helped United win three more major trophies before leaving for Everton again in 2017.
He starred as the Red Devils won the FA Cup under Louis van Gaal in 2016.
And, when Jose Mourinho came in, the United legend helped the club win the EFL Cup and Europa League titles.
Rooney is primed to face United on Thursday evening when the club lock horns with Derby in the FA Cup fifth round.
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And, speaking ahead of the match, Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer backed Rooney to return to Old Trafford as manager one day.
“It depends on how much you put into the job and how much you want it,” Solskjaer said to Sky Sports
“It takes over your life but it’s the best – the second best – after playing so I’m sure there’s many ex-players and manager that would like to have my job.”
Rooney has insisted he won’t kiss the badge if he scores against United.
"No, it won't be like that, of course," he said. "I think everyone will understand. I want Derby to win in this game and after the game I'll go back to being a Manchester United fan and wanting them to win in the games after our one."