David Moyes insists Wayne Rooney is not for sale, but refused to be drawn on whether or not the striker had asked to leave.
The comments were made at this afternoon’s press conference, billed as the launch of the club’s pre-season tour.
Much of the interview was dominated by talk over the future of their 27-year-old striker, who was rumoured to hand in a transfer request in the latter days of Sir Alex’s reign.
It has also been rumoured that Barcelona are ready to make a £25million plus David Villa offer for the forward.
But Moyes is adamant that Rooney will not be leaving the club.
Moyes said: “Wayne’s not for sale. He’s a Man United player and will remain a Man United player.”
The former Everton manager confirmed that the pair have had ‘several meetings’ since he officially started his role as United boss on Monday.
The Scot also said he expects Rooney to go on and become the club’s record goalscorer.
He added: “I have known Wayne since he was 16. It is a little bit of déjà vu.
“But I see a glint in his eye. He looks happy, he looks like he will knuckle down and get himself right.
“Wayne won’t be sold by Manchester United.”
Ever since Ferguson revealed Rooney handed in a transfer request, the striker has been linked with a whole host of clubs – including Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris St-Germain.
Moyes also said he has no knowledge of any conversations that took place between Rooney and his former manager.
Club captain Nemanja Vidic said: “I have not talked to Wayne about his future, but he is in the best shape he’s been for the last five years and he’s trained very well.”
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