Moyes: Rooney not for sale

MANCHESTER: New Manchester United manager David Moyes insisted that Wayne Rooney (pic) is not for sale as he faced the world’s media on Friday for the first time since his appointment as the successor to Alex Ferguson.

Moyes is adamant that the striker, who Ferguson claimed had requested a transfer before the end of last season, will not be leaving the club, but he stopped short of confirming that the England international had declared an intention to stay.

The Scot said that he had spoken to Rooney since he returned for pre-season training on Wednesday, but he would not reveal what was said during their conversations.

“I have had opportunities to speak to him,” Moyes told reporters at Old Trafford. “Wayne is not for sale. He’s a Manchester United player and will remain a Manchester United player.

“He is training really well, he is coming back in good shape and I am looking forward to working with him.

“We have spoken several times and as far as I’ve seen it, what has happened is gone. I’ve seen a glint in his eye, he looks happy and he looks like he is going to knuckle down.

“I do not know what those two gentlemen said – Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney. That conversation was private and as far as I am concerned, I am looking forward to working with Wayne.”

Asked if Rooney had categorically committed himself to United, Moyes replied: “I can categorically tell you that Wayne Rooney has trained fantastically well since I’ve been here. Wayne won’t be sold by Manchester United.”