It's about winning: Rooney

A day after manager Alex Ferguson's candid news conference revealed that the 24-year-old wanted to leave, Rooney issued a statement explaining his reasons.

“I met (chief executive) David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad,” the England striker said. “I then told him I would not be signing a new contract.

“For me it's all about winning trophies, as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified.”  Ferguson responded to Rooney's statement by saying he would meet Gill on Thursday morning in a bid to avoid the whole issue dragging on.

“David has spoken to the owners tonight which is important. What is really important is for us to put it to bed, we don't want it to become a saga,” Ferguson told a news conference after United's 1-0 win over Bursaspor in the Champions League.

Rooney's statement,however, was loaded with praise for Ferguson despite reports of a fall-out between the pair.

“I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18,” said the striker whose contract runs out in June 2012.

“For Manchester United's sake I wish he could go on forever because he's a one-off and a genius.”

Rooney has scored only one goal for United this season, from the penalty spot, and his general form has been poor while allegations about his private life have filled the tabloid newspapers.

He also suffered a below-par World Cup in South Africa in June. “I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC,” added Rooney in his statement.

“How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?”