Vidic says Rooney is mad to leave

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has told unsettled striker Wayne Rooney he would be mad to leave Old Trafford.

Rooney's future was the cause of more drama as the David Moyes era at United officially got underway with a 2-0 win over Wigan in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.

The England striker has made it clear he wants to quit United after growing unhappy with his diminished role last season and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is determined to lure him to Stamford Bridge.

United has so far rejected two bids from Chelsea and Moyes cut an agitated figure on Sunday as he responded to questions about Rooney's future by defiantly insisting the star isn't for sale.

Moyes claims Rooney's absence from his preseason plans has been due to a shoulder injury, but the forward was deemed fit enough to be called into the England squad for Wednesday's friendly against Scotland.

Despite Rooney's apparent desire to leave, Serbian international Vidic is convinced the best option for his troubled teammate would be to stay with the Premier League champion.

"I believe Man United is the biggest club in the world and I think there's no point to go anywhere else," Vidic said.

"There's so much speculation, so much talk about whether he'll leave or stay.

"I have to say the last four years I was in that position as well. People were talking about me leaving the club.

"I'm still here and I'm enjoying playing for this club. Nothing has changed."

Rooney was said to be unhappy after Moyes last month suggested Robin van Persie, who scored both goals in the win over FA Cup holder Wigan, was his No 1 strike option.

However, Vidic sees no reason why Rooney and van Persie can't flourish in the same team if the former Everton striker decides to stay.

"Definitely. No question about that," Vidic said.

"They're both top forwards and so many rumours over the years, players coming, players leaving. This is part of the show."

Meanwhile, veteran United midfielder Ryan Giggs is convinced his team will prove the critics wrong after the champion was made only third favorite for the title.

Despite winning the league at a canter just three months ago, many bookmakers see Chelsea and Manchester City as the leading contenders, but Giggs disagrees.

"Obviously with Mourinho coming to Chelsea and City spending quite a bit of money, early on it can happen that you get written off," Giggs said.

"It's not something we are worried about. We are the champions. We know it is always hard to defend the title, but we have experienced it before.

"The quality is in the squad. We showed it last year and we've got to show it again."

Giggs also insisted he would be happy to go into the new campaign without any new signings.

(China Daily 08/13/2013 page22)