Jose expects Rooney to stay

Jose Mourinho expects Sir Alex Ferguson to persuade Wayne Rooney to stay at Manchester United as chief executive David Gill confirms the club will comment on the situation at the 'appropriate time'.

Rooney's future at Old Trafford has been plunged into doubt amid reports that talks regarding a contract extension have broken down.

The England striker's current deal expires in 2012 and there is speculation that Rooney does not currently want to sign a new contract.

Rumours of a rift with United boss Fergusonhave surfaced following Rooney's omission from the team in recent weeks on the back of allegations regarding the 24-year-old's private life.

The situation has led to suggestions that United will either sell Rooney in January or at the end of the season to avoid the risk of losing the former Everton starlet for nothing.

Real Madrid are among the clubs to have been linked with a bid for Rooney, but the Spanish giants have been quick to rule out a winter swoop for the forward.

And Real coach Mourinho does not expect Rooney to leave the Red Devils, believing Ferguson will talk his star man into signing an extension.

Not available

"I don't think he will (become available)," said Mourinho. "I think the big man will persuade him to stay."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has kept his own counsel, although he looked relaxed as he attended a £1million extension of United's charitable work for UNICEF at Old Trafford on Monday afternoon.

Ferguson will doubtless be questioned on the issue on Tuesday when he is due to attend a press conference ahead of United's UEFA Champions League encounter with Turkish champions Bursaspor.

Chief executive Gill has at least hinted some clarification of the Rooney situation would eventually be made.

Gill said: "We will say something at an appropriate time. But this is not an appropriate time."