Manchester United’s new manager David Moyes addressed the media for the first-time since taking over at Old Trafford.
And it wasn’t your average press conference.
Hundreds of reporters, photographers and film crews packed into the event, as Moyes’ eagerly awaited first few words as United boss declared the clubs intent to keep hold of want-away striker Wayne Rooney.
“Wayne is not for sale. He is a Manchester United player and will remain a Manchester United player.”
Then when asked if Rooney has asked to leave, Moyes repeatedly mentioned how well Rooney is training and dodged the question. Never stating if the England international had asked to leave the club.
Moyes added that he has had several meetings with Wayne Rooney and his representatives and hopes he will become Manchester United’s record goalscorer one day.
“I see a glint in his eye. He looks happy, he looks like he will knuckle down and get himself right,” Moyes said. The new United boss also commented on Rooney’s form on the practice pitch. “He is training brilliantly well… I’m looking forward to working with him.”
(MORE: Tuesday’s Transfer Rumor Roundup: Rooney to Barca, Cavani to Chelsea)
And of course this won’t be the first time Moyes has managed Rooney, with the former Everton boss nurturing England’s top talent as a teenager.
“I have known Wayne since he was 16, when he was at Everton. It is a little bit of deja vu. He is training really well, he is coming back in good shape.”
So will Rooney really stay at United? Or is this just a ploy by Moyes and the club to up his price in the transfer market?
Both are likely, United are certainly not going to give up one of their biggest assets easily. But Moyes did not confirm that Rooney has either asked to leave the club or stated his intent that he wants to stay at Old Trafford.
That is the big factor here, what is the point of keeping an unhappy player at the club? United may not get the anywhere near the best out of him. So should they cash in?
(MORE: Rooney may “want a fresh challenge” away from United)
But the news wasn’t all about Rooney, as Moyes discussed how he plans to manager United to more success in the coming years.
“All I can do is do what David Moyes has done before. I’ll continue the traditions of the club. I am very fortunate that I am taking over the champions of England and I do hope that I can do a great job here in time.”
However despite all the other updates from United’s new manager, the main news reverberating around the soccer world this afternoon will be that Wayne Rooney is not for sale and that Manchester United want to keep their prolific striker.
What Wayne Rooney thinks about that, well, that’s another matter entirely that I’m sure will come out in the coming days and weeks.
