Wayne Rooney signs new contract with Manchester United
Wayne Rooney has signed a new five-year contract with Manchester United following a week of intense speculation over his future.
The striker announced his desire to leave Old Trafford earlier this week, stating a lack of ambition on the club’s behalf, and had been heavily linked with a move to fierce local rivals Manchester City.
Just last night, a group of 30 protesting supporters were dispersed by police at Rooney’s mansion in Cheshire, and this latest turn of events comes as a major shock to the club’s supporters, who were resigned to the fact that the striker was intent on leaving.
A statement on the club’s website confirmed the shock news, with Sir Alex Ferguson expressing his delight at the 24-year-old’s final decision.
“It’s been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United. I said to the boy that the door is always open and I’m delighted Wayne has agreed to stay,” Ferguson 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.
“I’m pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United’s great players. It shows character and belief in what we stand for.
“I’m sure everyone involved with the club will now get behind Wayne and show him the support he needs to produce the performances we know he is capable of.”
Meanwhile, Rooney himself is now faced with the toughest job of all: winning back the support of the club’s fans.
The England international said: “I’m delighted to sign another deal at United. In the last couple of days, I’ve talked to the manager and the owners and they’ve convinced me this is where I belong. I said on Wednesday the manager’s a genius and it’s his belief and support that have convinced me to stay.
“I’m signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history – which is the reason I joined the club in the first place.
“I’m sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they’ve read and seen. But my position was from concern over the future. The fans have been brilliant with me since I arrived and it’s up to me through my performances to win them over again.”
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