Sir Alex Ferguson gave an unequivocal dismissal of rumours regarding Wayne Rooney’s future at Old Trafford during a press conference earlier today, calling the rumours of Rooney’s imminent departure “absolute rubbish”.

Ferguson told reporters the selection of his side on Tuesday night's game against Real Madrid was not based on any larger issues than the specific tactical requirements brought about due to Real Madrid’s strengths. In this case he chose Danny Welbeck ahead of Rooney due to Welbeck’s ability to drop deep and negate the influence of real Madrid’s deep lying playmaker, Xabi Alonso. Ferguson told reporters:

“To suggest we don’t talk to each other is absolute nonsense…the reasons for not playing him were completely tactical, and I think we were right. Welbeck is the best player we have in terms of operating a double role i.e we had to choke out Alonso ability to control the game…and also his ability to go further forward and be an attacking player.”

Rooney began Tuesday night’s game on the bench, before coming on as a late second half substitute. Subsequently there were widespread reports that Rooney was set for the Old Trafford exit, with Paris Saint Germain touted as a potential destination in the summer.

Aside from setting the record straight on the player’s future Ferguson also admonished the rpess for their reporting of the story. The United boss said he has banned two newspapers from Old Trafford press conferences until they apologise for suggesting there were problems between Ferguson and his striker.