• Premier League

Moyes set to clarify Rooney & Thiago situations

David Moyes will face the media on Friday afternoon in his first press conference since becoming Manchester United manager.

Following his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's replacement on May 9, Everton would not allow their departing boss to be asked about his move to Old Trafford at any of his remaining press conferences last season.

Moyes has released statements via United since taking up the reins at Old Trafford, but Friday will see him address and take questions from the media for the first time in his new role with the Premier League champions.

The Scotsman is set to field questions on the future of striker Wayne Rooney and the status of the club's widely reported interest in Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

Rooney and his new boss - who gave him his debut as a 16-year-old at Everton in 2002 - are set to discuss his future before United fly out to the Far East for their pre-season tour next week.

Reports this week suggested Rooney wants the club to publicly clarify that he has not handed in a transfer request - as claimed by Ferguson in May - while United insist the striker must ask to leave if he does seek a move away from Old Trafford after nine years.

Meanwhile, speculation over the club's interest in Thiago continues to grow, with the Spain international reportedly cropped out of a group photo of Barca players modelling the club's new kit and his father, World Cup-winner Mazinho, apparently selling his restaurant in Catalonia in anticipation of a move.

Moyes has already assembled his backroom staff, promoting Ryan Giggs to player-coach and bringing in Phil Neville, Kevin Round, Chris Woods and Jimmy Lumsden from Everton.

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