Wayne Rooney is 'mentally in good shape' says David Moyes ahead of Manchester United's trip to play Liverpool

The striker is set to remain at Old Trafford despite coveting a move to Chelsea

(Manchester United/Getty Images)

Manchester United manager David Moyes has revealed Wayne Rooney is “mentally in good shape” ahead of Sunday's trip to Liverpool.

Rooney completed his first game of the season against Chelsea on Monday, after which he thanked the United fans for their support.

Since then, Chelsea have signed Samuel Eto'o, which seems to have ended any chance of Rooney leaving for Stamford Bridge ahead of the transfer window closing on Monday night.

And now he is preparing for one of United's biggest games of the season.

"Wayne Rooney has been a great player for many years for Manchester United," said Moyes.

"I felt he played very well the other night and he's looking in good condition and is mentally in good shape too."

Moyes declined to enter into further discussion on Rooney, preferring instead to underline the stance United have taken throughout the summer.

"We told you and everybody else from day one so I don't think there's anything else to add today," he said.

Moyes was no more forthcoming on United's pursuit of new players.

The club have had another bid rejected by Everton for Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines this week.

And this afternoon, reports have emerged from Spain about a failed attempt to sign Anders Herrera from Athletic Bilbao.

"I wouldn't disclose any names, just let the clubs deal with it and we'll try and do it on a professional manner," said Moyes, when asked specifically about Herrera.

And of Baines and Fellaini, two men he knows so well from their time together at Everton: "I wouldn't tell you."

But with speculation also surrounding Daniele de Rossi, and even Kaka, who has been told he can leave Real Madrid, it promises to be the busiest countdown to a transfer window closing since Sir Alex Ferguson paid a club record £30.75million to sign Dimitar Berbatov in 2008.

"I don't know how busy it's going to be but it's a busy football market," said Moyes.

"It might be busy in the next few days and I hope we do a little bit of business but I couldn't guarantee that."

The lack of new players is an issue that has concerned many United fans.

By the time they get to Sunday though, there will only be focus on what remains one of the biggest matches in the English domestic calendar.

And there will be even more intensity this weekend due to the 11 years Moyes spent at Everton before moving to Old Trafford this summer.

"Anfield has always been a difficult place to go," said the Scot.

"It's a great stadium. I've been there not just for the football but for Hillsborough situations and other different occasions so I'm looking forward to going back.

"Everyone tells me it's a big rivalry Liverpool and United and it was like that with Everton as well. Part of coming to Manchester United is to be involved in these type of games."

Liverpool are planning to mark what would have been Bill Shankly's 100th birthday, with Moyes now following a long list of great Scottish managers.

"Bill Shankly comes into the category of greats like Jock Stein, Matt Busby and Sir Alex (Ferguson).

"He's in that group from the point of view that he's one of the greatest managers and rightly should be respected."

With maximum points from their opening two games, Liverpool currently have a slender advantage over their long-standing rivals.

And Moyes knows himself how much progress the Anfield outfit are making under Brendan Rodgers.

"I think Brendan is building his team and changing things around to the way he wants it to be," said Moyes.

"Liverpool have always been a great football club challenging for trophies.

"This is no different to any other game in that you can only get three points for a win but it'd be a big win if we can get it because Liverpool are one of the strong teams this season."

PA