London – Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher admitted on Tuesday that he is worried by reports that teammate Wayne Rooney could be about to leave the Premier League champions.
United on Monday announced that that they had “immediately rejected” a second bid from Chelsea for the England striker, which was reported to be worth an initial £25 million.
With United braced for a third bid from Jose Mourinho's club, Fletcher, who is currently sidelined by a bowel condition, says he would hate to see the 27-year-old leave Old Trafford.
“It's not the type of thing I have asked him. You do worry he might leave because he's a fantastic football player,” said the Scottish midfielder.
“But we will leave that sort of thing to Wayne and the club. Me personally, I hope he stays because he has been fantastic for Manchester United and a big part of all we have achieved in the last nine, 10 years since I have been in the squad.
“In that respect I hope he stays and we achieve more things together for United.”
Rooney has been ruled out of United's friendly against Swedish side AIK in Stockholm later on Tuesday after injuring his shoulder in a behind-closed-doors match against Real Betis on Saturday.
United have failed with two bids for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Fletcher says the former Arsenal player would be a strong addition to manager David Moyes' squad.
“(Fabregas) is a fantastic player and Manchester United are always linked with great players. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but it is part and parcel of being at this club,” Fletcher said.
“They are always going to attract and sign big players that are going to add to the fantastic squad we have already got.” – Sapa-AFP
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