Manchester United prepare to block another Chelsea bid to unsettle Wayne Rooney ahead of Premier League clash Manchester United expect Chelsea to increase efforts to unsettle Wayne Rooney by lodging a third bid for the forward within 48 hours. But despite the anticipation within Old Trafford of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho sanctioning a renewed attempt to lure Rooney to Stamford Bridge in the build-up to Monday’s Premier League clash between the two clubs in Manchester, United remain steadfast in their determination to reject any further offer for the 27-year-old. United manager David Moyes and chief executive Ed Woodward, backed by the club’s American owners, the Glazer family, have insisted throughout the summer that Rooney will not be allowed to leave. Woodward has communicated United’s position to senior figures at Chelsea, but with the two clubs meeting at Old Trafford on Monday, there is a belief that Mourinho will authorise another bid for the transfer-seeking player in an effort to affect United’s preparations and undermine Rooney’s focus ahead of the game. Chelsea have failed with bids of £20million and £30million for Rooney, with the London club’s second offer being lodged, and rejected, two weeks ago. United’s refusal to consider Chelsea’s two bids has led Mourinho to admit that he is now considering a “plan B and plan C”, one of which is understood to be Anzhi Makhachkala forward Samuel Eto’o, should Rooney continue to prove beyond his club’s reach. However, with Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye being left out of his club’s fixture against Manchester City on Monday because of the ‘distraction’ of Arsenal’s £10million bid in the hours before the game, United are bracing themselves for the prospect of Chelsea attempting to similarly destabilise Rooney. Having restored Rooney to United duty with a substitute appearance against Swansea last Saturday, Moyes is understood have no concerns about the England forward’s ability to play against Chelsea. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, and conspicuous refusal to dismiss speculation about his determination to leave United, Rooney was afforded a positive reception from travelling supporters at the Liberty Stadium, with many also chanting his name. The former Everton forward had been concerned over his likely reception from fans following claims by Sir Alex’s Ferguson at the end of last season that Rooney had asked to leave. But the absence of hostility from United’s supporters at Swansea has taken away the prospect of Rooney citing negativity from the terraces in his attempts to leave. Rooney’s discontent at Old Trafford centres on the breakdown of his relationship with Ferguson last season and the comments made by the former manager, which the player believes were an attempt to vilify him in the eyes of the club’s supporters. Rooney enjoys a healthy relationship with Moyes and has no issue with the new manager, but Ferguson’s ongoing presence at the club as a director has led the player to believe that the 71-year-old will continue to have a powerful voice and influence at Old Trafford. With United insisting both publicly and privately that they have no intention of selling Rooney, efforts are now being focused on adding to the squad before the Sept 2 transfer deadline. Moyes is prepared to make a renewed attempt to sign Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, potentially offering £40million for the former Arsenal captain, and United are also ready to increase their offer to Everton for midfielder Marouane Fellaini and left-back Leighton Baines. Everton manager Roberto Martínez has dismissed United’s pursuit of the two players as a “waste of time”, with the Goodison Park club describing last week’s bid of £28million, plus £2million in add-ons, as “derisory and insulting”. However, United are set to make a second offer of £35million for the players in an effort to break Everton’s resolve and secure Moyes’s first significant signings since succeeding Ferguson. Meanwhile, United defender Rio Ferdinand says Monday’s clash against Chelsea is no bigger than their encounters with neighbours Manchester City and Liverpool. Ferdinand, speaking at the launch of United’s three-year partnership with Indian tyre manufacturer Apollo, said: “We don’t take the Chelsea game any more seriously than those against our closest rivals like Liverpool and City. "The feeling that you get when you beat them is still probably the biggest in the season. All games at Old Trafford are special, though, and we will want to put on a show no matter who we are playing.” -fefe
Posted on: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 06:08:38 +0000
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