Wayne Rooney Wants to Go: What Next for Manchester United?

After days of speculation over the truth of reports suggesting Wayne Rooney wants to leave Old Trafford, today Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that Rooney rejected contract talks and said he would like to leave Manchester United. 

It comes as a shock to all, you and me, as not very long ago the English front man vowed to live his life at Old Trafford. But since then something has clearly changed and made him ponder of a future elsewhere. 

In an Interview with MUTV on Tuesday, Sir Alex was asked, "We’re now hearing that he (Wayne Rooney) doesn’t want to sign a new contract. What is the situation with his contract negotiations?"

Sir Alex responded:

"That is true. David (Gill), in the early part of the summer, had opened talks with his agent. And that was to be continued after the World Cup. I was in the office on August 14 when David told me he’d had a call from his agent saying that Wayne wasn’t going to sign his contract. So then David came across to see me. He said he couldn’t believe it and neither could I. I was dumbfounded, I couldn’t understand it at all because only months before he’d said he was at the biggest club in the world and he wanted to stay for life. We just don’t know what’s changed the boy’s mind. David was shocked, I was shocked. 

"I had a meeting with the boy and he reiterated what his agent had said. He wanted to go. I said to him, ‘Just remember one thing: respect this club.’ I don’t want any nonsense from you, respect your club. What we’re seeing now in the media is disappointing because we’ve done everything we can for Wayne Rooney, since the minute he’s come to the club. We’ve always been there as a harbour for him. Any time he’s been in trouble, the advice we’ve given him—I’ve even been prepared to give him financial advice, many times. But you do that for your players, not just Wayne Rooney. That’s Manchester United. This is a club which bases all its history and its tradition on the loyalty and trust between managers and players and the club. That goes back to the days of Sir Matt. That’s what it’s founded on. Wayne’s been a beneficiary of this help, just as Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and all the players have been. That’s what we’re there for."

Earlier in the day Chelsea's Carlo Anchelotti was asked about Rooney, and Anchelotti had this response: 

"You have to see if Wayne Rooney really wants to leave," Ancelotti said on Monday ahead of Chelsea's Champions League match against Spartak Moscow. "Secondly, if Manchester United really want to sell him and thirdly if Rooney is on the market, I think that not only Chelsea but a lot of teams would be interested."

All of this comes ahead of an all-important clash in the Champions League when United will face the Turkish outfit Bursaspor at Old Trafford. 

When asked whether Rooney will have a part in the clash, Ferguson was quick to point out that Rooney has an ankle injury and could miss out. 

Potential bidders for Rooney's services include Manchester City, who could make a huge money offer, depending if Wayne is prepared to receive a massive backlash if he moves across town. 

Chelsea could be another destination, as the club has been looking for a world-class striker since last season, when they were interested in Fernando Torres. Now Chelsea's Russian-billionaire owner could splash out on one of the world's top strikers. 

For Real Madrid, who usually has to fight off pressure from clubs when the Spanish are interested, this could be a gift for Jose Mourinho—having Wayne link up with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and other up-and-coming superstars.

Both Barcelona and AC Milan have spent millions in the last transfer window and could spend more if they see Wayne as a player who could bring more to the team. 

With the skills, talent and ability he has, Rooney would be a massive loss for United. With the Red Devils already struggling to make headway as Chelsea and City lead the race, Ferguson will hope Wayne Rooney can resolve his issues and sign a new contract. 

Ferguson has mentioned that the door is still open for Rooney to negotiate a new contract, and that David Gill is always willing to listen and is prepared to give the best to his players.

With the matter now out in the open, potential bidders will look to challenge one another for the Englishman's signature. With the January window just two months away, could we see Wayne Rooney, one of the most passionate United players, say goodbye to the club he once loved? 

With Dimitar Berbatov scoring goals on a regular basis, Nani and company chipping in with the odd goal, Fergie won't be too worried just yet, but a replacement has to be considered, if it hasn't already.