Rooney showing signs of settling after summer of discontent

From the way he spoke about his relationship with David Moyes and his partnership with Robin van Persie you would never guess this is a player in turmoil over his future at Manchester United; so as Wayne Rooney considers the prospect of becoming the club’s greatest goalscorer are there finally signs he is coming to terms with his place in a new era at Old Trafford?

Rooney’s will-he, won’t-he transfer saga over the summer was high profile, messy and drawn-out; and perhaps because it stemmed from Alex Ferguson’s disputed claim that the striker had asked for a move, it has left the player visibly frustrated.

His irritation was clear in a post-match television interview after he scored twice in a 4-2 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night.

“Listen,” he said when asked if he had demanded a transfer. “I’ve just told you. I’m concentrating on my football, which I’ve been doing all summer.”

When he met reporters in the mixed zone later he also made it clear that one question ‘about the summer’ and he’d be walking away; but then, suddenly, the old smiling Rooney returned — and suddenly there was more than a glimmer of hope for those who pray he will remain a United player for years to come.

Rooney’s goals on Tuesday took his tally to 200 in his United career so far, only 49 behind the club’s all-time record holder Bobby Charlton, a mark he has been challenged to overtake by Moyes who point-blank refused to sell the striker this summer.

“It’s always a challenge,” Rooney said when asked about the record. “It’s a massive football club and it’s amazing how long that record has stood for. So it’s great to get to 200. That’s a big honour and I’m really proud of that. To be edging closer is great for me.”

Rooney’s partnership with van Persie was crucial on Tuesday — they played alongside each other in a 4-4-2 formation with Rooney slightly deeper — and that in itself is indicative of a change of heart at Old Trafford.

It was Moyes’ assertion to Sunday newspaper reporters that he saw Rooney largely as back-up to van Persie that really upset the England international and sparked rumours of a move to Chelsea or Arsenal; but now the player insists his combination with the Dutchman is blossoming.

In fact, when asked if there was any seniority in the partnership he said: “No. I have seen things said over the summer but me and Robin are friends off the pitch. There is no problem between me and Robin at all. We are great friends and we want to help each other and be successful. Hopefully we can play more together this season.”

So if Rooney is no longer second choice — and instead is first choice to partner van Persie — is there any reason whatsoever to leave? Especially as he was also fulsome in his praise of manager Moyes.

“The training is a bit different under the new manager,” said Rooney. “I remember it from Everton, it’s more intense. And that’s helping me. He’s a great manager and deserves this job because of what he did at Everton.”