Rooney stayed after Ferguson was given massive transfer budget – report

Wayne Rooney signed a new five-year contract with Manchester United only after being informed that Sir Alex Ferguson will be handed a transfer kitty of £100 million, according to ESPN.

Rooney had questioned the club’s ambition while speaking out about his desire to leave Old Trafford before annoucing that a deal to extend his stay at the club was sensationally ironed out.

Rooney said: “I’m signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history.”

It is understood that Rooney was reassured that the Glazer family will be loosening their purse strings to back Ferguson with a formidable transfer budget despite the burden of loans which face the English club.

It is believed that Rooney took to the decision to commit his future after realizing that Chelsea would not offer him a superior contract to that he has at United, Barcelona do not currently have the kind of money that could tempt the England star, Real Madrid are not ready to delve into their pockets in January and Manchester City are an uninteresting choice for the player.

After penning the new deal, Rooney will be paid a basic wage of £150,000 per week, and the wages could reach £200,000 if he meets the level of performances set by his club.