Manchester United manager David Moyes will issue a put up or shut up ultimatum to Wayne Rooney in a bid to bring an end to the striker’s on-going transfer saga.
Moyes is expected to tell Rooney to either put in an official transfer request or knuckle down to help United prepare to defend their Premiership title.
The 27-year-old, who has been the subject of two rejected bids from Chelsea, has made it clear he wants to leave Old Trafford but not yet put his request in writing.
Moyes is hoping that by forcing him to make a decision he can bring to an end an issue which has dominated his first pre-seaon in charge of United.
The Daily Mirror claims that Rooney is leaning towards formally asking to leave United, nine years after he moved to the club from Everton, then managed by Moyes.
Moyes, however, is said to be hopeful that by forcing Rooney into a corner he will decide to stick it out at Old Trafford.
There is still the possibility, the newspaper suggests, that even if Rooney puts in a transfer request, United will refuse to sell to another Premier League team.
The closing of the current transfer window on September 2 puts both parties in a potentially difficult position – for which a quick resolution is favourable to both.
It remains doubtful that Rooney will play any part in Sunday’s Community Shield match against Wembley, meaning he will have missed virtually the whole of United’s pre-season preparation.
Image courtesy of Sky Sports, with thanks.
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