Manchester United Transfer News: Club Should Extend Wayne Rooney at Current Rate

Wayne Rooney has been the object of ridicule and debate since reportedly requesting a transfer prior to Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. As it turns out, the striker may not have been so eager to make an Old Trafford exit.

According to Steve Bates of the Sunday People, Rooney never turned in an official transfer request, and he is now asking for an apology for Ferguson’s claim:

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Wayne Rooney is demanding an apology from Manchester United for Sir Alex Ferguson’s parting shot at the striker.

Rooney’s Old Trafford future ­hinges on a ­meeting with club chiefs this week where the angry 27-year-old will insist that United make it clear to supporters that he did NOT hand in a transfer request at the end of last season.

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Regardless of that particular situation, it’s clear Rooney is still very much interested in remaining at Old Trafford, though he may be looking to do so with a new contract.

As reported by Bates, the 27-year-old would be willing to work out an extension to stay with Manchester United beyond the final two years of his current deal, provided that new contract doesn’t necessitate a pay cut:

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Wayne Rooney is ready to sign a new Manchester United contract – but he will not put pen to paper if he is asked to take a pay cut.

Rooney is scheduled for talks with new boss David Moyes in the next 72 hours in a bid to resolve his long-term future at Old Trafford after a summer of unrest.

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At £225,000 per week, United would be taking a big risk in extending Rooney’s contract at the current rate. Then again, they may risk losing more by refusing his request.

While Rooney seems upset with the idea that he asked for a transfer, it wouldn’t be a surprise for the striker to follow through with a formal request if the club doesn’t choose to extend him this offseason. As Bates noted, Rooney doesn’t want to experience a situation similar to that of his last contract negotiation that allowed his contract to “run down to just over a year.”

At 27, Rooney is likely entering the prime of his career. While that may be a small window for a new deal, there’s reason to believe he can be productive well into his 30s. Assuming the new deal wouldn’t be for more than a few years, United have little reason to push for a pay cut.

The arguments for and against selling Rooney this summer have their merits, but the fact is this: at £225,000 per week, there’s little reason to push for a pay cut and risk losing him to another club.

Granted, Rooney would continue making nearly as much as any player in the world, but United can afford it, and the risk of losing Rooney is too great to take a chance. Like him or not, Rooney is an integral part of the club, and he will continue to be a cornerstone as long as United are willing to pay him.

Should the Red Devils refuse to extend Rooney at his current rate, there will be no shortage of clubs looking to pounce on his unrest. As Bates notes, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea would all look to capitalize on the situation with a lucrative offer for the striker.

If United are intent on keeping Rooney, concessions must be made. Just don’t expect Rooney to be the one to make them.