Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Wayne Rooney Move Would Be Sad End to Era

It doesn't appear Wayne Rooney cares where he goes, as long as he's far away from Manchester United.

According to Ian Ladyman and Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, the 27-year-old striker is prepared to move abroad this summer if United doesn't want to sell him to Premier League club Chelsea.

For a player who is fourth on United's all-time goal list and once saw eye-to-eye with Sir Alex Ferguson, that's quite the turn of events.

Moyes and United have repeatedly said they will not sell Rooney this summer, but, with the veteran expected to send in a written transfer request this week, it appears there is no use in keeping a player who doesn't want to be at Old Trafford.

Asked about United reportedly turning down a second bid from Chelsea for Rooney, Moyes said, via the Daily Mail report: "I have not asked Wayne about it. But I don’t need to convince anybody to play for Manchester United."

Well, Moyes may want to think about trying to convince Rooney to stay at this point because it's obvious Rooney has grown disenchanted with the idea of playing another season for United. Either that, or Moyes is simply tired of trying.

The move of Rooney from Old Trafford would mark a sad ending to a chapter that has mostly been brilliant. After all, Rooney has scored 197 goals in his nine years with United, being part of one Champions League title and five Premier League championships. His impact at Old Trafford cannot be denied.

Perhaps what is most unfortunate is the breakdown in relations between Rooney and Ferguson. Both have proven to be powerhouses in their own right throughout the years, but what was once a mutual bond has evidently evaporated into disappointment and frustration with one another.

Even with Ferguson quitting his post as manager to make way for Moyes this summer, the fact that he is still a director with the club may be enough for Rooney to leave Old Trafford—or England altogether—if it comes to that. 

But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. That appears to be the case now with Rooney and United.

If Rooney leaves, most of the United faithful will probably turn on him—perhaps even his own teammates will. Whether it's right or wrong, the fact remains: It's an astounding 180-degree turnaround from the bond Rooney once shared with the club.

Hopefully, when all is said and done, the United faithful can appreciate what Rooney did for the club for all of these years, and not just focus on the final chapter.

Of course, the ending of a chapter tends to stick with people the most.