Wayne Rooney has asked to leave Manchester United for the second time in three years. The BBC report that the twenty seven year old made the request verbally, rather than submit an official transfer request, approximately two weeks ago, but his request was turned down by Alex Ferguson. Rooney reportedly told Ferguson he wants a fresh start following nine years at the club, but with two years remaining on his contract was told he would not be allowed to leave.
Last night a Manchester United spokesperson said “Wayne Rooney is not for sale.”

It is, as of now, unclear whether the arrival of David Moyes as Ferguson’s successor will alter Rooney’s desire to leave the club or the club's desire to retain his services. Moyes managed Rooney at Everton and in 2008 was awarded substantial libel damages following comments made about him in Rooney’s autobiography. Rooney subsequently apologised and the two appear to have made peace in the past few years, with the player publicly admiring Moyes’ work as Everton manager.

Speculation regarding Rooney’s future at Manchester United grew following the Champions League quarter final defeat to Real Madrid, for which the striker was dropped in place of Danny Welbeck. Ferguson moved to dampen these rumours, saying: "He'll be here next year. You can have my word on that."

Rooney famously came close to a move to Manchester City in 2010, as he pulled out of contract talks with United citing failures of the club to provide him with assurances “about the future of the squad”. The striker signed a 5 year deal following talks with Ferguson.