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Manchester - Wayne Rooney's future at Manchester United was cast into fresh doubt on Sunday when the England striker was dropped for Alex Ferguson's farewell appearance at Old Trafford against Swansea.
Rooney is reported to have told United manager Ferguson two weeks ago that he wanted leave after losing patience with his slightly diminished role in the second half of the season.
Ferguson is said to have rejected the request and United have since stated they have no intention of selling the England international, who has been played out of position in midfield at times this term and was dropped for a crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
But it was the second time Rooney had expressed his desire to leave United after he previously questioned the club's ambitions back in 2010.
Bayern Munich and Chelsea are both said to be interesting in signing Rooney, who has also had a strained relationship with David Moyes, who will succeed Ferguson and gave the forward his debut during their time at Everton.
And it may not have been a coincidence that Ferguson, who announced in midweek that he will retire at the end of the season after 26-and-a-half years in charge, opted not to include Rooney in his farewell party.
Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez were selected in attack ahead of Rooney, who didn't even make the substitutes' bench.
As Ferguson emerged to a guard of honour from both teams before kick-off, Rooney was pictured watching from an executive box with his wife Coleen and their son Kai.
