Ferguson rues agents' influence as he admits Rooney wants away

Exactly a week after Rooney blew his relationship with Ferguson wide open, the United boss responded in the most damning manner.

In a monologue lasting six minutes and 33 seconds at the end of a press conference to preview tonight's Champions League encounter with Bursaspor, and in an interview with MUTV that had been conducted approximately half an hour earlier, which took the Rooney camp completely by surprise, Ferguson confirmed the 24-year-old had asked to leave Old Trafford but declared "the door was still open" for him to stay.

A cynic might conclude that the door is only open because Ferguson smashed it shut so hard it bounced off its hinges.

Ferguson will have put every major European club on red alert, including Manchester City, who have more cash than anyone and know just how audacious a move for Rooney would be.

Everton will pocket 25 per cent of any transfer fee United receive above the 27m sum they spent to buy the player in 2004.

Ferguson tried to draw conclusions from the complete

U-turn Rooney's career path has taken since he announced last Spring his intention to remain with United for life.

The Scot's assessment did not make pretty reading for a player who celebrates his 25th birthday on Saturday and whose private life is mired in controversy amid lurid allegations that came to light in September.

"I was in the office on August 14 and (chief executive) David (Gill) phoned me," outlined Ferguson. "He had got a phone call from his agent saying that he (Rooney) wasn't signing a contract.

"I couldn't believe it. I just was dumbfounded. I could not understand it because only months before he was saying he was at the greatest club in the world and he wanted to stay for life. We just don't know what's changed the boy's mind.

"The next step was going to be important, decisive for us. I then asked to have a meeting with the boy and he reiterated what his agent had said – he wanted to go.

"The one thing I said was 'Just remember one thing: respect this club. I don't want any nonsense from you. Respect the club'.

"I don't know if he's done that. I have got doubts on that because we're reading things about falling out with me and all that nonsense. It's disappointing because we have done everything we possibly can to help Wayne Rooney from the minute he's come to the club."

Somewhat surprising is the fact United did not try to cash in before the transfer window closed on August 31 given Rooney now only has 20 months on his present deal left to run.

Ferguson implicitly criticising the influence of Rooney's long-time adviser Paul Stretford.

"With the modern-day players it is not as easy as it was many years ago," he said. "Then the player would trust and depend on the manager. You also had more contact with parents.

"But that has gone now. It is dealing with agents who live in the pockets of players. It's a pity."

The chances of Rooney – who was yesterday stretchered off United's Carrington training ground with an ankle injury – remaining at Old Trafford appear slim, with a January exit rated most likely. But an offer remains, if not a contract. Discussions never actually got that far.

"We realise and recognise the quality of the player, that's why the negotiations were starting early summer – two years before his contract was up – to extend that contract," said Ferguson.

"David was prepared, following discussions with our owners, to offer Wayne the best contract any player could have.

"Now there is no offer on the table because they are not prepared to listen to one."

Rooney join Michael Owen and Jonny Evans on the sidelines.