"Wayne Rooney Leaving Man Utd And Signing For Chelsea Would Be A Step Down" – Ray Wilkins

Wayne Rooney will have a better chance of winning trophies if he stays with Manchester United rather than joining Chelsea, according to former England midfielder Ray Wilkins, who has played for both clubs.

On Monday United confirmed they had rejected a second bid from Chelsea for Rooney, whose future remains shrouded in doubt, but Wilkins has urged the England striker to embrace the "healthy" competition for places at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson last season claimed the 27-year-old wanted to leave, and Rooney is understood to have been unimpressed by quotes from new United boss David Moyes this summer that suggested he would effectively have to be an understudy to main frontman Robin van Persie.

"It shouldn't end this way, it's getting horrible," said Wilkins.
"Once you leave Manchester United there's only one way you're going."

"Man United are in the top three biggest clubs on the planet, therefore they will always buy and buy and buy because they always want to be successful."
"If you want to win things then there's no better club to be at than Manchester United."
"So what if you've got a bit of competition with Robin van Persie? It's healthy."

"He should stand up to the plate and show these people what he's made of. He's got so much wonderful football left in him."

United said on Monday that their position remained that Rooney was not for sale. Wilkins feels that should that stance change, the Red Devils would be "crazy" to let the player switch to another English club – although he admits he would personally love to see Rooney sign for Chelsea.

The 56-year-old added: "If I was David Moyes there's no way I would sell him to anyone in England. I'm sorry – he'd have to go abroad."

"I would love him to join Chelsea...If for some strange outcome he stays in England, then Wayne is ready to start again. Man United...shouldn't sell him to one of their closest rivals."