Rooney Fears Fan Backlash As Manchester United Exit Push Gathers Pace

The striker feels he has no way back with the United supporters and remains determined to push through a transfer to Chelsea before the transfer window closes

Wayne Rooney fears a backlash from the Manchester United fans if the club continue to block his desired move to Chelsea this summer.

The 27-year-old is understood to remain determined to leave United and came face-to-face with manager David Moyes on Thursday for the first time since his early exit from the club’s pre-season tour on July 11.

Chelsea are expected to make a second bid for Rooney in the coming days after the Londoners’ initial £20 million offer was rejected out of hand by United.

Rooney is scheduled to further talks with Moyes over his future as he looks to push through a move to Chelsea, where he will be offered a contract worth around £200,000-a-week.

And one major factor in Rooney’s desire to leave is his concern that the United supporters have turned against him, not least because of former boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s claim that the striker submitted a transfer request, which the player denies.

The striker's immediate concern is the club's trip to Scandinavia, with the former Everton man due to travel with the squad for the next pre-season friendly in Stockholm, Sweden on August 6 - should he recover from a hamstring injury.

That will be Rooney's first appearance in front of the United faithful since he endured boos during the club's Premier League title trophy parade.

Rooney remains Chelsea’s number-one target as Jose Mourinho looks for a top class forward, with sources suggesting that the saga surrounding the England star’s future is likely to continue until the final week of the window.

Rooney made it known that he was “angry and confused” after quotes from Moyes emerged suggesting he would be kept at Old Trafford simply as back-up to Robin van Persie.

Moyes has since clarified his comments to Rooney in telephone conversations, with the relationship between the pair described as ‘amicable’ by club sources and the former Everton man due to travel with the squad for the next pre-season friendly in Stockholm on August 6.

Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, has also suggested that the club would not open talks to extend Rooney’s £250,000-a-week contract, which expires in 2015.

While United are prepared to listen to offers for Rooney, despite Moyes’ insistence the player is not for sale, they are keen to land at least one major signing before contemplating the sale of the striker.

The Premier League champions are still to table a third and final offer of £35m for their top target, Barcelona playmaker Cesc Fabregas, as Moyes tries to improve his central midfield. Marouane Fellaini of Everton and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric are being considered as alternatives.