Robson blasts Roo ‘insult’

As a global ambassador for the Old Trafford outfit, Robson remains close to United affairs and travelled with David Moyes’ squad throughout their recent tour of the Far East and Australia.

Robson is acutely aware of the club’s ’not for sale’ stance on Rooney and Chelsea’s keen interest in the 27-year-old given Jose Mourinho has already had two offers turned down.

And, in a summer where Real Madrid are apparently willing to offer mega-money to secure the services of Gareth Bale and Arsenal have bid in excess of £40m for Luis Suarez, Robson feels Chelsea’s valuation of Rooney — who still has two years remaining on his contract — is ludicrously low.

“The thing that makes me laugh is I’ve been told it [the latest bid] is £25m to £30m. For Wayne Rooney? A 27-year-old who is probably in the top six strikers in the world?” Robson said.

“What are United going to have to pay to replace him? I’m amazed at that. I think it is an insult to Wayne Rooney.”

Moyes’ difficult start to life at Manchester United continued at Old Trafford last night as Sevilla spoiled Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial with a 3-1 win at Old Trafford.

While it was only a friendly and most of United’s senior stars missed out in readiness for tomorrow’s Community Shield clash against Wigan at Wembley, it does mean they have won just two of seven pre-season matches since Moyes replaced Alex Ferguson in the summer.

Yet, speaking to BT Sport immediately before last night’s game, Moyes insisted he has had a “brilliant” five weeks in charge and he was only encountering issues anyone would have come across, including his predecessor.

“Everybody who takes over at Manchester United has testing times,” he said. “Even Sir Alex Ferguson had testing times. It is no different for David Moyes.”

Nevertheless, Moyes could not be happy at the ease with which Vitolo and Marko Marin, the latter on a season-long loan from Stamford Bridge, got their first-half goals.

Antonio Valencia halved the deficit midway through the second half but in stoppage time, Bryan Rabello ensured there was no way back for United, although if nothing else, Moyes was able to see the development of his young players continue.

“It is good that we are giving young players a game,” he said.

“It has always been part of the tradition of this club and I am looking forward to making that happen.

“There are one or two who make me think they are not far away.

“We will push them and see where we get to.”