Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney applauds the fans following the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Hull City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on February 1, 2017. The match ended in a draw at 0-0. / AFP / Oli SCARFF / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

Wayne Rooney Confirms He Will Remain with Manchester United

Rob BlanchetteFeb 23, 2017

Wayne Rooney has declared his allegiance to Manchester United, releasing a statement to confirm he will remain at Old Trafford after recent speculation about his immediate future.

The club's official website confirmed the England captain's intentions, as Rooney said he will remain in Manchester under coach Jose Mourinho.

The 31-year-old's statement read:

TOP NEWS

Real Madrid CF v Girona FC - LaLiga EA Sports

Bleacher Report1w

Real Betis V Real Madrid - Laliga Ea Sports

Bleacher Report1w

"
Despite the interest which has been shown from other clubs, for which I’m grateful, I want to end recent speculation and say that I am staying at Manchester United.
I hope I will play a full part in helping the team in its fight for success on four fronts.
It’s an exciting time at the club and I want to remain a part of it.
"

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: Jose Mourinho, manager of Manchester United walks past Wayne Rooney during a training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League round-of-32 second leg against St Etienne at Aon Training Complex on February 21, 2017 in Man

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

The United legend has found himself on the edge of Mourinho's plans in recent months, losing his regular starting spot after the good form of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata.

The 31-year-old has started only eight Premier League games this season, scoring twice, according to WhoScored.com.

According to Simon Jones and Chris Wheeler for the Daily Mail, Rooney was ready to leave the Theatre of Dreams as he was unhappy with his lack of opportunities in Mourinho's squad.

Rooney is still young enough to regain a place in United's starting XI, but the emergence of Mkhitaryan has compromised his position as a No. 10.

The skipper's productivity has reduced after Sir Alex Ferguson retired from the Old Trafford hot seat, and Rooney does not have the pace needed to start every week for the Red Devils.