Wayne Rooney has taken the big step toward leaving Manchester United. According to numerous sources, the unhappy Englishman has requested a transfer from his club.
According to ESPN, "the player has now been tipped to officially request to end his nine-year association with United, with reports suggesting he is fearful that Sir Alex Ferguson will still play a major role in the Moyes era."
Chelsea has been vocal about its interest in the player and has already made two bids. However, Manchester United has repeatedly rejected any notion that Rooney could leave the team anytime soon. It is possible that the club may in fact be looking to move him, but may simply be attempting to avoid a transfer to a Premier League rival.
"I don't think Manchester United can sell him to another English team," said pundit Graeme Souness in his column. "Whether it was intentional or it was unwise words by David Moyes, to say 'we see Wayne Rooney as vital back-up' for Van Persie, I don't know...If I'm Wayne Rooney I'm thinking 'wait a minute, I'm the star of the show'; if you're a big player, that's what you believe."
He added, "Rooney now sees himself as second fiddle to Van Persie; if I wasn't speaking on television I'd be using different words but he will be a very unhappy man at that...His ego has been dented and Manchester United have put themselves into a very difficult situation with Wayne Rooney - but I don't believe they can sell him to an English club."
The striker is reportedly unhappy with playing second fiddle to Robin Van Persie at the striker position. At Chelsea he would undoubtedly be the top choice at the forward position thanks to the struggles of current top forward Fernando Torres.
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