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The forward, 24, had said as recently as Wednesday that he he wanted to leave the club as he did not believe the club could continue to compete for world class signings. Rooney said he had changed his mind thanks to the persuasion of the United manager Ferguson. “I’m delighted to sign another deal at United. In the last couple of days, I’ve talked to the manager and the owners and they’ve convinced me this is where I belong," he said. "I said on Wednesday the manager’s a genius and it’s his belief and support that have convinced me to stay." His agent had briefed journalists on Sunday that he would not sign a contract, prompting a heartfelt statement from his club manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirming this and questioning whether he had "respected" the club. After a week of speculation about possible destinations - with Manchester City the early favourites due to their spending power, as well as Real Madrid - Rooney has carried out a complete u-turn and agreed to stay. "It's been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United. I said to the boy that the door is always open and I'm delighted Wayne has agreed to stay," said Ferguson. "Sometimes, when you're in a club, it can be hard to realise just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand. I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is. "I'm pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United's great players." EnglandMad |