David Gill 'confident' Wayne Rooney will stay at Manchester United

Outgoing chief executive says the club want the England striker to stay at the club

Wayne Rooney celebrates with the Premier League trophy (GETTY IMAGES)

David Gill, the outgoing Manchester United chief executive, says he is “confident” that Wayne Rooney will remain at the club.

The England international asked for a transfer earlier this month, however, that request was rejected. Despite a change of manager since then, United's position has not altered, with Gill saying that Manchester United want to keep the 27-year-old at the club.

"I think as Alex said at his last press conference, that's an issue for David Moyes and the new team to do, but look - I'm confident he'll be there next season," he told Sky Sports.

"I think he's a great great player, it's a great great club and the club doesn't want to lose its star players."

Rooney's request came amid frustration at being played out of position and being substituted by Sir Alex Ferguson. It was understood that Rooney would speak to new manager David Moyes before taking any further action. Gill today confirmed that was the case.

"I'm sure every bit of work is being taken with Wayne, his advisors and David and Ed [Woodward, Gill's replacement] etc to ensure that happens.

"I'm not a betting man, but I'm confident when I sit in Old Trafford next season I'll be seeing Wayne Rooney running out."

Rooney's request was the second time the former Everton player had asked to leave Old Trafford. His request in 2010 led to him signing a five-year £250,000-a-week contract.