Roo can go, just not to Manchester City

Manchester United last night vowed to stop Wayne Rooney joining hated neighbours Manchester City - as Barcelona and Chelsea prepared to pounce, The Sun reported.

Roo's days at Old Trafford are numbered after an emotional Alex Ferguson confirmed his star striker wants to desert.

City are willing to offer him around £250,000 a week - but United would rather see him go abroad or even to Chelsea than let that happen.

And Barca coach Pep Guardiola last night confirmed: "He is one of the greatest players in the world as there are very few players with his qualities.

The Sun revealed yesterday Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti would welcome Rooney.

While that would hardly please United, their biggest fear would be to see him join City - and then watch the forward fire them to the Premier League title.

But United's resolve may be stretched as moneybags City have the cash to offer more than any other club.

Rooney's value has already plummeted because he will only have a year left on his contract next summer.

The Sun also reported that Ferguson yesterday accused Rooney of letting him and the club down and the striker is certain to face a ferocious backlash from fans.

Recalling the moment Rooney told him he wanted to quit, emotional Fergie said: "I had a meeting with the boy. He reiterated what his agent had said. He wanted to go.

"I said to him, 'Just remember one thing - respect this club. I don't want any nonsense from you, respect your club'.

"I don't know if he has done that. I have doubts on that. It's disappointing because we have done everything we possibly can to help Wayne Rooney ever since he came to the club."

The manager said: "I was dumbfounded, I couldn't understand it.

"We just don't know what's changed the boy's mind. It was terribly disappointing."

Fergie also said he told Rooney to "behave like a proper professional".

He added: "I don't know how many times we have helped him in his private life and other matters.

"We have always been here as a harbour for him any time he has been in trouble. The advice we have given him.

"I was even prepared to give him financial advice."

Four years ago Rooney was alleged to have run up a £700,000 gambling debt.

Sir Alex went on: "You do that for your players, not just Wayne Rooney. That's Manchester United. That goes back to the days of Sir Matt (Busby). That's what it's founded on.

"This is a club which bases all its history and its tradition on the loyalty and trust between managers and players and the club."