David Moyes has revealed that Chelsea were close to signing Wayne Rooney during his ill-fated tenure as Manchester United manager. Moyes, who gave Rooney his professional debut as a 16-year-old at Everton, succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer of 2013 – with the England striker being heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge at the same time.
The pair had a well-publicised falling out following Rooney’s departure from Goodison Park in 2004, but Moyes fought hard to retain the United forward’s services at Old Trafford.
‘I look at Wayne Rooney. I gave him his professional debut aged 16 and he’s now on the verge of breaking all Manchester United’s scoring records,’ Moyes told the Sunday Times.
‘It was only a short time ago that Wayne could have easily left United. But I always felt he was as good as any British player out there; wherever he plays, he’s a great footballer and, most importantly, he’ll always score goals.
Now, I’m delighted for Wayne, because Chelsea were close to taking him. Jose (Mourinho) was interested but we wouldn’t do any business.
‘I had to fight to make sure he stayed – and was at the heart again, of what Manchester United were going to be moving forward.’
Rooney has been a vital cog in Louis van Gaal’s new-look United outfit this season with his side on course on for a Champions League place next year despite their 1-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
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