If you have burned your Rooney shirts already, it may not be a good idea to read this. Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson have persuaded the "adamant" Wayne Rooney to stay at Manchester United for another half-decade, as the striker performed an incredible u-turn to decide to sign a new 5 year contract at the Old Trafford club.When a statement from Rooney was released earlier in the week suggesting that he wanted to be going forward and winning trophies, whilst claiming that the current players were not really good enough to do so, it seemed certain that he would be leaving. Even the mighty Sir Alex Ferguson whom Rooney incidentally called a "genius" in his statement, admitted that the player was adamant that he wanted out.
How then, can only a couple of days later, he completely change his mind, and decide to stay, after causing so much upset in the red half of Manchester? Sir Alex Ferguson left the door open to Rooney, even when the revelations about his future emerged. Simply because he is (or can be) too good for United to lose.
Rooney, who celebrates his 25th birthday on Sunday, 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."Manchester United's only hope now, is that he can replicate the truly brilliant form of last season, and forget about his awful recent performance in the World Cup and the Premier League.
