Manchester United manager David Moyes remained tight-lipped yesterday over reports that striker Wayne Rooney has signed a new contract at Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney
Manchester: Manchester United manager David Moyes remained tight-lipped yesterday over reports that striker Wayne Rooney has signed a new contract at Old Trafford.
Wayne Rooney
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British media reports suggest that the England international has agreed a new five-and-a-half-year deal worth up to £300,000 (360,000 euros) a week. The 28-year-old’s current contract is due to expire in June 2015, but at his weekly press conference yesterday, Moyes refused to confirm or deny whether or not a new contract had been agreed.
“As soon as we have information to give you, we’ll give you it,” Moyes said. “Everyone knows how important a player he is. He’s a terrific footballer. If we can get it done, that will be great.”
Rooney, who has won five Premier League titles and the Champions League at United, had looked set to leave last year after former manager Alex Ferguson indicated that the player had asked to leave Old Trafford — something Rooney denied.
Pulis power
Meanwhile, United face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park today and Moyes has been impressed by the job that Tony Pulis has done since he replaced Ian Holloway as manager. Palace have moved from six points off safety to 15th place in the table, winning seven out of 15 matches in all competitions, since Welshman Pulis took over.
Moyes believes that the former Stoke City manager has answered his critics in the best possible way. “He has showed all his experience,” Moyes said. “A lot of people were writing Tony off during his time at Stoke, but he hasn’t half gone in there and made a few people eat their words.”
United are expected to recall youngster Adnan Januzaj to the starting line-up at the expense of winger Ashley Young for the trip to Selhurst Park.
Moyes could also hand a start to fit-again midfielder Marouane Fellaini for the first time since early December after he recovered from recent wrist and groin injuries.
The Premier League champions are also expected to recall defenders Rafael da Silva and Phil Jones.