‘Moyes is the boss when it comes to Rooney saga’

MANCHESTER United legend Denis Irwin has backed new manager David Moyes’ stance on Wayne Rooney.

Rooney has dominated Moyes’ Manchester United reign so far, from rumblings of discontent about Sir Alex Ferguson’s claim he had handed in a transfer request, to the hamstring injury that forced him out of United’s pre-season tour less than 24 hours after he arrived in Thailand and his negative reaction to Moyes’ statement about his place in the pecking order.

United rejected a Chelsea bid on Wednesday but it does seem Rooney’s position at Old Trafford is close to untenable.

Yet United are adamant they will not sell and, if necessary, are willing to wind down Rooney’s contract, which still has two years to run. “Wayne is a fantastic player,” said former Republic of Ireland full-back Irwin. “He has been great in the years he has been at the club and has scored a stack of goals.

“David Moyes is the manager. He makes the decisions. He has said Wayne Rooney is going nowhere. That is good enough for me.”

The departure from the tour of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has triggered fevered speculation with Cesc Fabregas, Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines all mentioned. There is also speculation of an imminent big-money move for Tottenham’s Gareth Bale.

Irwin added: “There will always be loads of speculation at this time of the season, whether it is in your position or someone else’s. It is part and parcel of being a footballer at a top club.”