Rooney Could Leave If Manchester United Miss Out On Top Four, Admits Moyes



Manchester United manager David Moyes has admitted that striker Wayne Rooney may not sign a new contract if the champions miss out on a top-four finish.

The Red Devils currently languish in seventh place in the Premier League, five points behind Liverpool in fourth and 11 points off top-of-the-table Arsenal.

Rooney’s current deal expires at the end of next season and, as exclusively revealed by Goal in December, the striker has rejected United’s latest attempts to open talks over a new contract.

When asked how confident Moyes was of Rooney signing a new deal if United missed out on the top four he told reporters: “Well, we would have to wait and see what [would] happen if that situation arose.”

The former Everton man has, however, been in top form for the reigning champions this season scoring 11 times and his manager feels he is happy at Old Trafford.

“I thought if you looked at his performances you’d have to say he’s certainly playing at his best,” he added.

United are in FA Cup action on Sunday, a game Rooney is expected to miss through injury, although Moyes is confident he could return in midweek for the Capital One clash with Sunderland.

“He’s got a groin injury and won’t be available for the game,” he said before adding he “had a chance” of facing the Black Cats.

United face Swansea at Old Trafford having lost six times already at Old Trafford this season but Moyes has urged his side to improve and insists the FA Cup is important to the club.

“To have not won the FA Cup for 10 years is something which is a bit of a surprise but it’s something which we’ll try and do,” Moyes said.

“We’re trying to win all the competitions we enter which we’re sure most people are trying to do but as far as I’m concerned we’ll do everything we possibly can.

“The cup is important to me, it always has been but I’m sure it’s important to every club.”