Rooney a red for life
15 Oct 2006 - 12:44:53
Wayne Rooney is reportedly in talks aimed at committing his future to Manchester United for the majority of his career.
The 20-year-old still has four years remaining on his current contract, but United are keen to tie down their most marketable asset with a new long-term deal.
Rooney arrived at Old Trafford in a £27million switch from Everton in 2004 and the new deal will catapult the England star to the ranks of the Old Trafford high earners.
Despite a recent lack of form, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson lavished praise on his prize asset after his starring role in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Wigan.
Rooney didn't get on the scoresheet but set up goals for Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer which left Ferguson to round on the striker's recent critics.
"He doesn't seem to be the type of individual who would get himself hot and bothered about what has gone on," said the United boss.
"He has always been quite an open lad, cocky and confident.
"I don't think he sits and worries about things like that. He does not play that way."
Meanwhile, Wigan boss Paul Jewell slammed Rooney's critics after watching the youngster take apart the Latics defence at the JJB Stadium.
"Anyone who has concerns about Wayne Rooney doesn't know the game," he said.
"It's not for me to talk about Wayne but he's a world-class player, there's no problem there.
"There has been so much nonsense spoken about him in the last few weeks and I've certainly not heard anyone with any brains talking about him."