• Premier League

United will sell Rooney abroad - Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has predicted Manchester United will sell Wayne Rooney to an overseas club this summer - though David Moyes refuted his Chelsea counterpart's claim.

Mourinho, whose Chelsea side take on United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, believes the champions will offload the striker abroad at the end of the season, when he has just one year remaining on his contract.

Rooney, who has been ruled out of Sunday's match with a groin injury, was the subject of two failed bids from Chelsea in the summer, with Mourinho expected to return for him at the end of the season.

"United were clear in the way they approached the Rooney situation," said Mourinho.

"They don't swap. They don't sell. I don't see that changing, they were very clear about that.

"Will it be the same this summer? I think maybe this summer they will try to sell to a non-direct rival. But they were very clear, not to a domestic direct rival."

However Moyes made light of Mourinho's comments when they were put to him, saying: "I can only tell you that I disagree - although he [Rooney] will go to Brazil!"

Moyes also refused to criticise Mourinho for the timing of his remarks ahead of Sunday's meeting, where Chelsea can move 12 points clear of United.

He said: "Everybody has their style. I wouldn't talk about other managers at other clubs and I wouldn't talk about other players at other clubs.

"I can't tell you what his motivation is but only time will give you an answer about Wayne. The club will deal with that - they will do all they need to do, no question."

Wayne Rooney has nine goals and 11 assists in the Premier League this season © PA Photos

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