Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Wayne Rooney has asked for a transfer away from the Old Trafford club.
Rooney, 27, was not in United’s squad for the 2-1 win over Swansea on Sunday in Ferguson’s final home game before retiring at the end of the season.
“We have refused it,” said Ferguson about Rooney’s transfer request.
Asked whether the England international striker will stay at the club, Ferguson added: “It’s not my decision now.”
It is the second time Rooney has asked to leave United, with the first having come in October 2010 before he opted to stay and signed a five-year deal.
His future is now set to be one of the first items on the agenda of incoming United manager David Moyes, who is to leave Everton at the end of the season and take over at Old Trafford on 1 July.
Rooney played under Moyes as a teenager at Goodison Park before joining United in August 2004.
Although Rooney did not figure against Swansea he did join his team-mates in the Premier League title celebrations after the match when United were presented with the trophy.
Ferguson added: “I think he should go away and think it over again.
“He wasn’t happy about being taken off a few times this season but a Wayne Rooney in top form wouldn’t be taken off.”
The outgoing United manager also revealed Rooney did not want to feature against Swansea despite the occasion.
“I don’t think Wayne was keen to play, simply because he has asked for a transfer,” Ferguson added.