Soccer Extreme : Former Manchester United player Roy Keane has advised Wayne Rooney to put his own interests first in his ongoing dispute with the club.
The 24-year-old's Old Trafford future has been called into question after he disagreed with his manager Sir Alex Ferguson over an injury issue. It was then reported that Rooney had decided not to sign a new contract with the club.
With the striker's current deal only running until 2012, there are rumours he could be sold as early as January.
Keane, who spent 12 years with United and ended his time at the club feuding with Ferguson, said it is common for players and managers to have bust ups and Rooney should look after number one.
"Players and managers fall out all the time. It's part of life. If I was to offer advice to Wayne, who is a good lad, I would tell him to make sure he looks after number one," Keane said, according to the Daily Mail.
According to the bookmakers, Manchester City are favourites to sign Rooney, although Spanish giants Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on the England man's situation.
If Rooney were to leave, he would join a list of high-profile players who have fought with Ferguson. Along with Keane and others, Jaap Stam and David Beckham ended their United careers under a cloud.
Keane however, does not think this is inevitable for Rooney.
He said: "It depends on the situation and whether you have been lied to or not.
"But, as usual, we are second guessing what has gone on at the club, which is dangerous." (goal)
The 24-year-old's Old Trafford future has been called into question after he disagreed with his manager Sir Alex Ferguson over an injury issue. It was then reported that Rooney had decided not to sign a new contract with the club.
With the striker's current deal only running until 2012, there are rumours he could be sold as early as January.Keane, who spent 12 years with United and ended his time at the club feuding with Ferguson, said it is common for players and managers to have bust ups and Rooney should look after number one.
"Players and managers fall out all the time. It's part of life. If I was to offer advice to Wayne, who is a good lad, I would tell him to make sure he looks after number one," Keane said, according to the Daily Mail.
"Players are pieces of meat - that's how I look at it. When your time's up, your time's up. Luckily for Wayne he's at a good age and he's fit."
According to the bookmakers, Manchester City are favourites to sign Rooney, although Spanish giants Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on the England man's situation.
If Rooney were to leave, he would join a list of high-profile players who have fought with Ferguson. Along with Keane and others, Jaap Stam and David Beckham ended their United careers under a cloud.
Keane however, does not think this is inevitable for Rooney.
He said: "It depends on the situation and whether you have been lied to or not.
"But, as usual, we are second guessing what has gone on at the club, which is dangerous." (goal)