Wayne Rooney has given a clear insight into his feud with former Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson and once again refused to commit his future to the club.
The England international was keen to leave Old Trafford this summer, but the club blocked any potential move to a Premier League rival, with Chelsea and Arsenal the two clubs that showed firm interest.
Rooney has started the campaign on a good note, but has spoken about his annoyance at not being played upfront last season.
“Everyone at the club knew where I wanted to play and I think that’s why I was disappointed,” he told reporters. “I got told to play in midfield and I didn’t want to. I just think there had to come a point when, for my own career, I had to be a bit selfish really.
“I actually felt when I played in midfield I did okay, but I didn’t want to play there. I’ve had no problem in the past playing out of position, but I felt I deserved the right to play in my position and that wasn’t happening.
“I think, naturally, I was a bit disappointed and maybe that affected some of the games I played. I know myself that last year wasn’t my best season but there were times when I was playing in different positions.
“I didn’t feel I got a consistent run of games up front. Sometimes when you’re not playing in one position all the time it’s difficult to adapt.”
The 27-year-old also insisted he was settled throughout the summer and has always been concentrating on his fitness and football.
“To be honest, I’ve been settled all summer,” he added. “I really have been happy all summer. From the outside looking in, it might not have seemed like it, but I have been settled.
“My wife had a new child and I’m just delighted to be back playing and injury-free. I’ve got my head down and worked hard. I’ve been focused and I’ve been wanting to prove to people that I am a top player. That’s what I’ve really tried to do.”
“I’m sure the club made that clear,” he said. “Obviously there’s been a lot of stuff happening and everyone has been waiting for me to say something, but I’ve spoken to the people who matter at the club and we’ve known ourselves what was going on.
“I didn’t want to come out saying anything. I just wanted to concentrate on my football. That’s what I’ve done and that’s what I’ll continue to do. I’m not going to go around saying: ‘I wanted to stay’ or ‘I wanted to leave’. I’ll concentrate on my football and see what happens after that.”
Rooney also commented on David Moyes’ tactics and training methods, after it emerged early in the season that striker Robin van Persie was not happy about the new style.
“It’s a bit different in terms of David Moyes and his staff coming in,” he continued. “The training is different, there’s a different style, a different way of thinking about how he wants us to play.
“Honestly, the training has been so hard. We’ve done a lot more running. Long running, quicker running, sharper running.
“I feel that’s really benefited me. I feel as fit as I ever have done. I had a couple of injuries pre-season but I feel great and in good shape. It’s a mixture of things, but I am happy and I am enjoying my football.”
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