United dismiss reports of Rooney exit

Manchester United and Wayne Rooney have issued a combined statement denying the England striker is about to leave. Stories have emerged in the press claiming the 26-year-old's relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson is broken beyond repair. This has been denied by both parties. "Manchester United and Wayne Rooney have been made aware of the theme of an article in tomorrow's Independent newspaper," said the statement. "We have not seen the detail but can assure all United fans that the manager and the club are committed to Wayne Rooney and Wayne is committed to the manager and the club. "The player and the manager have always had and retain, the utmost respect for each other and look forward to working together in the coming seasons," the statement went on. "Any suggestion that Manchester United and Wayne Rooney are to part company is complete nonsense." Rooney himself said on Twitter: "The independent are talking absolute rubbish, my future is with Manchester United and the club and I am totally committed, the manager and I have no issues and anyone who says different doesn't know what they are talking about."