Is Alex Ferguson trying to trick the media about Wayne Rooney?

Manchester: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has a history of insisting he will not sell a player - before doing exactly that. United superstars David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo were two footballers who left Old Trafford despite Ferguson's declaring that they would not be sold.

The Red Devil boss on Friday claimed that he would not sell Wayne Rooney in the summer, despite axing the England striker from the starting line-up against Real Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League match which United eventually lost 2-1 at Old Trafford.

But it echoed similar comments made by him prior to both Beckham and Ronaldo's respective departures. In 2003, Ferguson bit back on stories suggesting Beckham could be on his way. "It is totally out of the question. There is no way we would sell him, or any of our best players," he had said then.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has a history of insisting he will not sell a player - before doing exactly that.

Similar was the case at the time of Ronaldo's departure in 2009. "Do you think I would get into a contract with that mob? Jesus Christ, no chance! I wouldn't sell them a virus," Ferguson had said. Eventually Beckham and Ronaldo both were sold to Real Madrid for 25 million pounds and 80 million pounds respectively.

So does this mean Rooney could also be on his way out? The likes of Manchester City, PSG, Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly interested in the star striker.

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