Manchester United fear losing Wayne Rooney

Manchester United fears that their ace striker Wayne Rooney may not sign a new contract with the club.

Rooney defied Sir Alex Ferguson by claiming that the United boss was wrong to suggest an ankle injury had kept him out of action.

"I've had no problems with my ankle all season," Rooney said after England drew 0-0 with Montenegro on Tuesday. 

And when asked why Ferguson had said he did, Rooney replied: "Don't know."

That is only fuelling concerns that talks over a new five-year deal will fall flat, The Sun reports.

His current contract finishes at the end of next season and United indicated six months ago that they were keen to fast-track him to a long-term deal.

Yet there have been only two preliminary meetings and it is believed Rooney has asked for talks to be put on hold.

His advisors will look for a hefty pay rise to take him from £90,000 a week to around £150,000.