Wayne Rooney (blue) has pledged his future to Manchester United despite the possibility of missing out on the Champions League next season/AFP pic.
WAYNE ROONEY believes his decision to commit his long-term future to Manchester United can help the spluttering Premier League champions get back on track.
United are in the midst of one of their worst seasons in recent memory and face the devastating possibility of missing out on qualification for the Champions League.
Less than 12 months after Alex Ferguson bowed out as United manager by winning his 13th Premier League title, the Old Trafford outfit are a pale shadow of the side that dominated the English game.
Ferguson’s hand-picked successor David Moyes has been unable to make a smooth transition since arriving from Everton and, incredibly, United are languishing in seventh place, 15 points behind leaders Chelsea and 11 adrift of fourth placed Liverpool.
Yet England striker Rooney is adamant the possibility of missing out on Champions League qualification never threatened to stop him signing the contract which now keeps him at Old Trafford until June 2019 and makes him one of the world’s best paid players.
“I know that’s what some thought but it’s not a massive concern for me,” Rooney said.
“This is because I know the direction that this club is going in, and if we don’t make it this season then we will come back stronger and claim a Champions League spot next season.
“Let’s not forget we still have a chance this year, some of the other teams are playing well but we have a strong squad here and if we have a positive end to the season then who knows what can happen?”
“The future is bright for Manchester United,” Rooney said.
“This is still one of the world’s leading clubs. We have seen this with the signing of Juan Mata in January.
“People have been saying we may have trouble attracting the world’s best players but I think the fact Mata came here shows this isn’t true.
“This is a new era for the club, we have a new management team and a great new manager in David Moyes, there has to be some time for change.
“We have some great players here and despite our recent form everyone has stuck together and the team spirit is still good, we will continue to work hard and get Manchester United to the top where it belongs.”
