Manchester United Transfer News: Wayne Rooney Deadline Is Good for Red Devils

After a long summer of rumours and gossip, the Wayne Rooney saga is finally going to come to an end.

Surprisingly, it is Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho who is forcing the conclusion of this story. Phil McNulty of BBC Sport reports that he has given the Manchester United star 48 hours to make a final decision on whether he wants to transfer, saying:

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One way or another he has to say 'I want to leave' or 'I want to stay.' The person that started the story has to finish the story. For the good of everyone, it is time to finish the story.

We are not silly enough to try something if somebody didn't start it...if he wants to leave he has to say - or if he has decided now he doesn't want to leave any more then he has to say.

"

While David Moyes and the rest of United never truly wanted to sell, it appeared as though Rooney was set to force his way out of Old Trafford when he was angry and confused about his role back in July.

This story continued throughout the summer and at one point the veteran was Chelsea's only target, according to Matt McGeehan of the Daily Mail.

The saga reached the point where either outcome would be better for Manchester United, as long as there was a conclusion.

If Rooney stayed, he could help the club defend its league title. If he was sold, it would allow time for the club to find a replacement.

With less than a week remaining in the transfer period, that time to find someone of Rooney's quality is running out. This is why Mourinho's ultimatum is a good thing for both sides. After two days, everyone will know what to expect for the rest of the season.

If Rooney does not explicitly state that he wants a transfer, Chelsea will back off and the matter will be settled.

Based on what we have seen in the past couple of days, this is the most likely scenario. The versatile player came in as a substitute in the squad's first league match against Swansea and then earned the start against Chelsea.

This seems to have changed the mindset of the English national. According to Ben Smith of BBC Sport, Rooney is not planning on handing in a formal transfer request.

No matter what your opinion is of the player, there is no denying that Manchester United are a better club when he is on the pitch.

After finishing second in the EPL with 27 goals two years ago, he took on more of a distributing role while totaling 12 goals and 10 assists last season. Rooney's skill and experience will help the club repeat as league champions and contend in the Champions League.

Otherwise, he will command a lot of money in a transfer that should immediately be reinvested in the club.

The important thing is that United will be able to end the situation once and for all.

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