Denis Irwin is happy to be guided by David Moyes' unequivocal statement that Wayne Rooney is going nowhere.
The subject of Rooney has dominated Moyes' entire Manchester United reign so far.
From rumblings of discontent about Sir Alex Ferguson's claim he had handed in a transfer request, to the hamstring injury that forced Rooney out of United's pre-season tour, beyond that the player's negative reaction to Moyes' statement about his place in the pecking order to the complete rejection of Chelsea's bid, England's talisman has been the centre of attention.
It does appear Rooney's position at Old Trafford is close to untenable. Yet United are adamant they will not sell and would be willing to wind down the contract which still has two years to run if necessary. And Irwin is happy to take Moyes at his word.
"Wayne is a fantastic player," said the former Republic of Ireland full-back. "He has been great in the years he has been at the club and has scored a stack of goals for us. David Moyes is the manager. He makes the decisions. He has said Wayne Rooney is going nowhere. That is good enough for me."
Whether United can hold that position remains to be seen, with neither player nor club showing any sign of buckling from their present position.
Beyond that, the sudden departure of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward on urgent transfer business has triggered fevered speculation about who it could concern. Cesc Fabregas, Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines have all been mentioned.
Yet, as those targets have been discussed for some time now, and Woodward was due to return to the UK on Sunday anyway, it would suggest something more significant. That would give credence to reports that a big-money move for Tottenham's Gareth Bale is imminent, although, as yet, United have refused to discuss the matter.
Irwin concedes such speculation is normal at a club the size of United. And he does not believe the players, currently being pushed through one of the toughest parts of their pre-season training regime, will be affected.
"There will always be loads of speculation at this time of the season, whether it is in your position or someone else's," said Irwin.
Source: PA
