Rooney not for sale, say United

MANCHESTER UNITED have dismissed claims they will sell Wayne Rooney during the January transfer window as “nonsense”.

Rooney was left on the bench by Alex Ferguson for Saturday’s Premier League clash with West Brom, and only introduced 19 minutes from the end of the 2-2 draw.

Even then, Rooney was consigned to the left wing, leading to more intense speculation about the 24-year-old’s relationship with Ferguson.

Although they rarely comment on individual stories, United have opted to make a brief response to suggestions Rooney’s alleged rift with Ferguson is now so great that he will be ushered out of Old Trafford at the earliest opportunity.

“To suggest Wayne Rooney will be sold in January is nonsense,” said a club spokesman.