Rooney's future at Manchester United remains uncertain

David Moyes has offered no concrete assurances that the reigning Premier League champions will be able to keep a hold of their top goalscorer and most creative player of the season so far.

Wayne Rooney – who misses tomorrow’s third-round FA Cup tie with Swansea through a groin injury – is entering the final 18 months of his current contract and, according to Manchester Evening News, when asked whether or not he was confident that the England international could be persuaded to pen an extension, David Moyes only had the following to offer:

“We would have to wait and see what happened in that situation.”

“I think if you look at his performances, he’s certainly playing at his best,”

While his observation of Rooney’s form may have some substance, it would only make for a more devastating blow should the ex-Everton forward decide not to prolong his career at Old Trafford, an eventuality made all the more threatening considering the uncertainty surrounding United’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League this season.

Furthermore, all indicators point towards a host of clubs being keen to take on United’s most creative player, who has created a staggering goalscoring chances for the Manchester club so far this season, almost double their next best, Patrice Evra, (22). During the summer, both third-placed Chelsea and first-placed Arsenalexpressed interest.

Currently five points off fourth-placed Liverpool, to help ensure Rooney is convinced to stay the Red Devil’s will most likely want to have broken into those top four spots come May, an objective complicated further by their casualty list, which currently includes Rooney – who is also a doubt for the midweek Capital One semi-final first-leg with Swansea – Robin van Persie, Phil Jones, Rafael and Marouane Fellaini.

Wayne Rooney has assisted the most goals in the Premier League so far (9). Overall, he is also Man United’s most creative player, creating 40 chances.