Wayne Rooney has confirmed that he wants to leave Manchester United and expressed his surprise at some of the comments Sir Alex Ferguson made about him on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old England international has also hinted that he is keen to find a new club because he is unsure whether United can challenge for honours in the future.

Rooney, who has already been linked with transfers to Manchester City and Real Madrid, said in a statement:"I met with David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad.

"I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract.

"I was interested to hear what Sir Alex had to say yesterday and surprised by some of it.

"It is absolutely true, as he said, that my agent and I have had a number of meetings with the club about a new contract. During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.

"I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?

"For me it's all about winning trophies - as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified.

"Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18.

"For Manchester United's sake I wish he could go on forever because he's a one-off and a genius."

Rooney has been ruled out the Champions League clash with Bursaspor because of an ankle injury.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email