I will never force Rooney out of United – Mourinho

Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, has said he will not force Wayne Rooney out of the club, but told the media to ask the player about a potential move to China.

Rooney has been linked with a move to the Chinese Super League and it is being rumoured a deal could be done before the transfer deadline in China next Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of their Europa League clash with St Etienne on Wednesday, Mourinho insisted he wants the 31-year-old to stay.

“You’ll have to ask him,” the United boss said.

“You have to ask him. “Of course I can’t guarantee [he will be here]. I can’t guarantee that I’m here next week, how can I guarantee that a player is here next season?

“What I can guarantee is that if Wayne one day leaves the club it is not because I want him to leave the club. That’s the only thing I can guarantee.

“I would never push – or try to push – a legend of this club to another destiny. So you have to ask him if he sees himself staying in the club for the rest of his career or if he sees himself moving. It is not a question for me because I am happy to have him.”

Pushed on whether it was possible Rooney could leave in the next week, Mourinho said: “I was very open with you in the answer. I don’t want him to leave.”

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