David Moyes in the Dark over Wayne Rooney's Manchester United Contract Situation

Manchester United manager David Moyes insists he does not know the latest on Wayne Rooney's contract situation, with the England forward's current deal set to expire in 2015 per the Press Association, via the Daily Mail.

Having strived to retain the striker in the face of interest from Chelsea during the summer, per Matt Law of the Daily Mirror, Moyes has seen Rooney reward him with a series of excellent performances and five goals in all competitions, per WhoScored.

While full of praise for the England man, Moyes was unable to offer any clarification on the striker's contract negotiations. The Mail provides the quotes:

"

It's great working with him. He’s an excellent footballer. He was great in the game midweek and we want his form to continue. He’s a big plus for us right now.

It’s Wayne whose made sure he’s in good nick. His talent is unquestionable. He’s physically very good and mentally he’s in a right place.

[Regarding Rooney's current contract situation] I couldn’t tell you. All I do know is that what you see on the pitch he’s playing very well.

"

Moyes put a lot of faith in Rooney with his publicly stated determination to retain the player this summer after the striker had reportedly asked to leave the club, per BBC Sport.

Thus far, his faith would appear well-placed, but it would all seem somewhat in vein should the England international's contract continue to run down. With just 18 months remaining on his current deal, his value is dropping sizeably with each passing transfer window.

Thus far it would appear that Moyes sees the 28-year-old, who he brought through as a teenager at Everton, as an important part of his United strategy—playing alongside Robin van Persie in attack.

In doing so, available space in the side for either Shinji Kagawa or Javier Hernandez has subsequently been limited. Moyes, then, cannot afford to allow Rooney's contract to go un-renewed much longer given the responsibility he has placed on the Englishman's shoulders.

In what has been a rocky start to the new era at Old Trafford, with United claiming just 11 points from eight league games, Rooney has been the one player who has consistently reached somewhere near his best levels.

If not resolved quickly, Rooney's future could add yet more unnecessary pressure onto the club's new management in January—when a return bid from Chelsea would be no great surprise.

After the mismanagement of the summer window, Rooney's possible departure is the last thing that Moyes and chief executive Ed Woodward will want hanging over their heads once more in January.