In a stunning revelation that rewrites Premier League history, Wayne Rooney has detailed the moment Sir Alex Ferguson outright blocked his potential seismic transfer to arch-rivals Manchester City.
The former England captain, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, pulled back the curtain on one of football's greatest what-if scenarios, confessing he was "desperate" to leave Old Trafford in 2010.
The Contract Standoff That Rocked United
Rooney's discontent stemmed from concerns about the club's ambition following the sales of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. This led to a dramatic contract standoff, with City's newfound wealth under Sheikh Mansour making them formidable suitors.
"I was desperate to leave Manchester United, honestly," Rooney stated, sending shockwaves through the football world.
Ferguson's Unmovable Stance
The defining moment came in a direct confrontation with the legendary Scottish manager. Rooney revealed Ferguson's unequivocal response to the potential of a move to the Etihad:
"I went in to see him and said, 'If you're not going to play me, then you have to sell me'. He said, 'I'll sell you, but I'm not selling you to Manchester City'."
This absolute refusal from Ferguson highlights the intense rivalry and the manager's iron-clad control over player movements, effectively killing any prospect of a switch to the blue side of Manchester.
The Aftermath: Staying and Succeeding
Despite his initial desire to leave, Rooney remained at United and went on to achieve legendary status. He became the club's all-time record goalscorer and won numerous trophies, including Premier League titles and the Champions League.
This revelation adds a fascinating layer to Rooney's complex relationship with Ferguson and provides incredible insight into the high-stakes player management that defined United's most successful era.
