Russian Roulette Or A Bullet Through The Head – Roo Knows?

Wayne Rooney

Sportspeak wonders if Sir Alex Ferguson & Wayne Rooney are playing a high stakes version of Russian roulette with each passing quip from their lips. Are the two forcing the Glazers to release more money to buy top players by creating a situation where the club’s biggest asset is being used to loosen the purse strings? Or is Rooney just a mercenary which is more interested in money than trophies? Today the Manchester United striker has confirmed that he wishes to leave because of concerns over the club’s future squad strength.

The 24-year-old, whose deal expires in the summer of 2012, revealed he had spoken to chief executive David Gill.

A statement from Rooney read: “He did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad.”

The England star added that he was “surprised” by some of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s comments. Ferguson had stated that Gill told him in August of Rooney’s decision not to sign a new contract, adding he was “shocked” and “disappointed” to hear that the former Everton played intended to leave.

However Rooney’s statement countered: “I was interested to hear what Sir Alex had to say yesterday and surprised by some of it. I have never had anything but complete respect for the club. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?

For me it’s all about winning trophies – as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified.

Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18.”

Rooney has been linked with a number of clubs, including wealthy local rivals Manchester City, but he insisted that a concern over United’s ability to attract the world’s top players was at the heart of his decision to seek a move.

“It is absolutely true, as [Ferguson] said, that my agent and I have had a number of meetings with the club about a new contract,During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.”

Rooney, who Ferguson signed for £25.6m in 2004, did however praise the 68-year-old Scot, adding: “For Manchester United’s sake, I wish he could go on for ever because he’s a one-off and a genius.”

Bob "The Voice" McKenzie Twitter: @BobTheVoice About: