Wayne Rooney tipped to be leaving Manchester United
Speculation is rampant in the press that Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will leave the Premier League club during or after the current season.
Rooney, who joined Sir Alex Ferguson's team in the summer of 2004, has starred for United in recent seasons, but is reported to be unsettled at the club after a slow start to the club's league campaign.
After netting 26 goals in 32 league appearances last season, the playmaking striker has only managed one in six appearances since the Premier League resumed in August. The Englishman has started only one
of United's last five games, despite vouching for his own fitness.
Problems said to be rooted in contract negotiations
The striker's claim that he was fully fit to start games for the club is said to have intensified the rift between him and Ferguson, which is thought to have begun with Rooney's contract negotiations,
which have yet to bear fruit, and worsened after the international break in September.
While on duty for England, allegations of an extramarital affair were levelled against the 24-year-old in the press.
A goal drought for his club compounded Rooney's problems. The striker was picked by Fabio Capello to start England's qualifier against Montenegro on 12 October, but he left the field without scoring in
the goalless draw.
On Monday, 18 October, Ferguson declined to comment on Rooney's situation at a press conference for Unicef, adding to speculation that the striker's United future is in jeopardy. "Questions will be about
the Manchester United and Unicef event only and your co-operation will be appreciated," Steve Bower, who was hosting the event, told the
Guardian.
Rooney, who has yet to extend his contract with United, which stretches until 2012, would not be the first star to quit United prematurely.
Several star players, including Paul Ince, Jaap Stam and David Beckham, have left the club abruptly after falling out with the loyal but strong-willed Ferguson.
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