Ferguson dismisses Rooney rumours

Alex Ferguson says Wayne Rooney will remain at Manchester United next season following intense speculation over the striker's future.

United manager Ferguson controversially left the England international out of his starting line-up against Real Madrid on Tuesday, leading to claims the player could be sold at the end of the season.

However, Ferguson has dismissed the speculation and insisted there is no issue between.

Ferguson said: "The Wayne Rooney nonsense first? Or do you want to talk sense?

"The issue you're all going on about is rubbish. There's absolutely no issue between Wayne Rooney and I.

"The suggestion we don't talk on the training ground is nonsense. The decision to not play him was purely tactical and he understood that. Wayne will be here next year. You have my word on that."

Manchester United host Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.