Mourinho: I guarantee I won’t push out Rooney

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says that captain Wayne Rooney can decide when he leaves the club.

Rooney has long been linked with a big-money move to China and is not in Mourinho’s first-choice United side.

He could yet move to the Chinese Super League this month as their transfer window does not close until February 28.

“You have to ask him,” said Mourinho when asked whether Rooney could leave this season. “I can’t guarantee that I’m here next week so how can I guarantee a player won’t be 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.

“So you have to ask him if he wants to stay at the club for the rest of his career or if he sees himself moving on. I’m happy to have him.

“I have been very open with you. I don’t want him to leave.”

Rooney has returned to training following injury but is not considered fit enough to face St Etienne on Wednesday.