The main story on the back page of Saturday's Independent
said the "Christmas bust-up between Rooney and Ferguson has run so deep
that it could lead to the player's departure as early as the current transfer
window.”
United and Rooney responded swiftly by issuing a joint
denial late on Friday night.
"Any suggestion that Manchester United and Wayne Rooney
are to part company is complete nonsense," the club and the player said in
a statement on United's website (www.manutd.com).
"We have not seen the detail (of the report) but can
assure all United fans the manager and the club are committed to Wayne Rooney
and Wayne is committed to the manager and the club.
"The player and the manager have always had and retain
the utmost respect for each other and look forward to working together in the
coming seasons." According to several media reports earlier this week,
Rooney was dropped for last Saturday's 3-2 Premier League home defeat by
Blackburn Rovers for "disciplinary reasons.”
United rarely comment on internal disciplinary matters but
the reports said Rooney was fined a week's wages for going on a night out with
team mates Darron Gibson and Jonny Evans.
The England striker returned to the team for the 3-0 league
defeat at Newcastle United on Wednesday but was substituted in the second half
after a below-par performance.
Manchester United's next fixture is an FA Cup third-round
clash at holders Manchester City on Sunday.
