Man Utd: Rooney staying, Ronaldo signing
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-07-04 08:29

Manchester United chief executive David Gill insists Wayne Rooney is not for sale at any price even though the Glazer family's Old Trafford buy-out has landed them ￡500million in debt.

The 18-year-old England striker is seen as the man who will carry the Red Devils' fortunes forward over the next decade.

However, supporters fear any failure of the Glazers' business plan could lead to mass sales, with Rooney, a ￡27million purchase from Everton 12 months ago, the prize asset.

Yet Gill is adamant he will not be sold, even if the bid was way over the top.

'Wayne Rooney will definitely not be sold,' Gill told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.

'We fought long and hard to get Wayne last summer and we are delighted with the purchase.

'In fact, there is more pressure on a publicly-quoted company than there is on a private one in situations like these.

'The Glazer family have experience in sports ownership. They realise success on the pitch drives what happens off it.'

Gill also confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will sign a new contract, while he expects Rio Ferdinand to pledge his future to the Red Devils 'in the fullness of time', insisting there are no stumbling blocks to a new deal even though Sir Alex Ferguson expected the defender to sign it before the end of last season.

Meanwhile, Gill stated firmly he will not be a 'yes man' for the Glazers, even though he previously expressed major concerns about the Americans' plans for United before they completed their ￡790million buy-out.

'I will not be a yes man,' he said.

'That is not my style and I do not think it would be appropriate for Manchester United.

'People who know me know I will make my views pretty clear and hopefully the new owners will take those opinions on board.

'I do not think I am there just to implement their plans, that is not something which would interest me.'

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