Following yesterday’s game with Swansea, his final home game as manager, Alex Ferguson said Wayne Rooney would not be leaving the club. Although he handed in a transfer request – now his second within three years – the striker will not be allowed leave, according to Ferguson.

Phil Thompson believes the reality is somewhat different, and this may be a departing example of the mind games which have played such an integral role in Alex Ferguson’s dominance of British football. Thompson was speaking with Newstalk Breakfast’s Oisin Langan earlier this morning and explained why he thought the club might be willing to antagonise their striker in the hope he forces a move.

“His time has been up for a while and they tried to use it to make Wayne Rooney angry so that he asks for a transfer and then they move him on before a new manager comes in,” Thompson said.

Thompson explained how he sees the Rooney situation unfolding, the main questions we need to watch out for with David Moyes moving to Old Trafford and why he feels Manchester City have made a major mistake in their handling of the Roberto Mancini affair.

Listen to the full interview with Thompson via the player below