Chelsea FC target Wayne Rooney DID ask to leave Man Utd – Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has repeated his claim that Wayne Rooney asked to leave Manchester United at the end of last season – but insistes he never fell out with the striker before he stepped down at Old Trafford.

Rooney, who during the summer was the subject of two failed bids from Chelsea, has always denied formally handing in a transfer request at United, but it is believed he was keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.

United had always insisted the player was not for sale, but speaking to American television network PBS, Sir Alex claimed the England international asked for a move the day after the Red Devils claimed the 2012/13 Premier League title.

“He asked away,” said Ferguson.

“He came in the day after we had won the title. Nothing happened that I would get upset about.

“Wayne is unfortunate in the sense that he is England’s big white hope. So therefore, the media is always centred around Wayne.

“And he has people who advise him. And I think that’s where all that’s coming from.

“I never fell out with him at any time, you know. Sometimes I would discipline him, but sometimes they all need discipline.”

He added: “When the club refused to sell him to Chelsea, he realised his only job was Manchester United. It’s brought back his focus.

“It’s brought back his work ethic and his purpose, and, you know, he’s playing well again.

“So maybe that was a good turning point for the boy. Did it end badly? No, I don’t think so.

“I think if Wayne walked in here today, he would shake my hand.”