Fergie promises to end Rooney saga today

Wayne Rooney will pay the ultimate price today after Sir Alex Ferguson promised a quick end to the saga over the Manchester United star’s future.

The United boss is ready to act ruthlessly by either suspending Rooney or putting him on the transfer list after the striker effectively reached the point of no return with his boss.

Fergie will hold an emergency meeting with United chief executive David Gill at 10am when it is expected Rooney will be formally put up for sale.

After Rooney launched a savage attack on United’s lack of ambition in an explosive statement, Fergie admitted he had to put an end to the uncertainty over the striker’s future.

United’s American owners the Glazers have been consulted over what to do with Rooney and have given their backing to Fergie to act as he sees fit.

Fergie said: “We don’t want it to carry on, don’t want it to become a saga. The important issue is we have the team to consider. We have an important game on Sunday, so that’s going to be the end of it tomorrow.

“David Gill and I have a meeting at 10am. David has spoken to the owners, which is important. Absolutely right, it could affect morale.

“If we carry on talking about one individual, dominating all of the headlines and all of our thoughts, then we’re not doing our job. Nipping it in the bud is the key to it and that’s what we’ll do.

“Some players think it’s better somewhere else. That’s not always the case.”

Fergie hit back at Rooney’s claim of a lack of proper investment in United’s squad, which the striker cited as his reason for wanting out.

“We will invest in signature players when the time is ready,” said Fergie. “This summer wasn’t right for me. There was no value. There was one player we identified, but he didn’t want to come to England.

“Some players don’t want to leave their country but Manchester United is still an attraction for players. So in terms of the future, there are a lot of things in our favour.

“We have history and the respect we have. If I told you how many agents called me or e-mailed my secretary every week to say their players want to play for us, it would amaze you. This club has the romance and the respect.

“People don’t identify potential, they’re very poor at it. But I’ve identified it all my life. I know potential, I know how to develop it, I have faith in it. Young people surprise you when they’re given the opportunity.

“You look at this club at the moment and there are 14 players under 22. You can’t see this club three years ahead, you’re not thinking about that. But we will be okay, I’m confident in that. The structure of the club is good.

“We have the right staff, the right manager, the right chief executive. There’s nothing wrong with Manchester United, not a thing wrong with it.”

Although Fergie scoffed at claims Rooney could be suspended until January 1, when the transfer window re-opens, it is understood that is one option being considered.

It is hard to see any way back for Rooney at United after he released a statement in which he effectively claimed the current squad was not good enough for him.

Rooney said: “I met with David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad. I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract.”

“It is absolutely true that my agent and I have had a number of meetings with the club about a new contract. During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.

United beat Bursaspor 1-0 at Old Trafford to stay top of Group C.