Share

Rooney speculation 'worrying'

London - Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher admitted on Tuesday that he is worried by reports that team-mate Wayne Rooney could be about to leave the Premier League champions.

United on Monday announced that that they had "immediately rejected" a second bid from Chelsea for the England striker, which was reported to be worth an initial 25 million ($38.5 million).

With United braced for a third bid from Jose Mourinho's club, Fletcher, who is currently sidelined by a bowel condition, says he would hate to see the 27-year-old leave Old Trafford.

"It's not the type of thing I have asked him. You do worry he might leave because he's a fantastic football player," said the Scottish midfielder.

"But we will leave that sort of thing to Wayne and the club. Me personally, I hope he stays because he has been fantastic for Manchester United and a big part of all we have achieved in the last nine, 10 years since I have been in the squad.

"In that respect I hope he stays and we achieve more things together for United."

Rooney has been ruled out of United's friendly against Swedish side AIK in Stockholm later on Tuesday after injuring his shoulder in a behind-closed-doors match against Real Betis on Saturday.

United have failed with two bids for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Fletcher says the former Arsenal player would be a strong addition to manager David Moyes' squad.

"(Fabregas) is a fantastic player and Manchester United are always linked with great players. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but it is part and parcel of being at this club," Fletcher said.

"They are always going to attract and sign big players that are going to add to the fantastic squad we have already got."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
32% - 1835 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1804 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1096 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 466 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 192 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 258 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE