Manchester United manager José Mourinho has once again confirmed that he wants to keep striker Wayne Rooney at the club next season.

There have been a lot of transfer rumours surrounding the England international, who has clearly lost his place in the United first team. Consistent poor form coupled with wages of around £ 250,000 per week for a 31-year-old have led to United seriously considering the possibility of letting Rooney leave in the summer. There were even suggestions of the former Everton star being allowed to join a Chinese club towards the end of the Chinese transfer window in February.

However, United still being involved in all competitions meant that the manager did not have any choice but to keep him in order to give him options to rotate. Rooney started the recent game against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

Yet, he was once again ineffective and was substituted, as United could only muster a 1-1 draw. Rooney has a contract with United until the summer of 2019, and the Red Devils are reportedly feel that selling Rooney would free up a huge wage budget for Mourinho to spend on other players. For a player earning £ 250,000 per week, Rooney has contributed very little for United this season.

Rooney has scored only two league goals this season.“Until the end of season, 100 per cent he is with us. Next season, 100 per cent I'd like him to be with us but I don't give you 100 per cent as always the player is very important. I am the kind of manager who likes his players to be happy. He's selected for tomorrow with possibilities to play, start or be on the bench, so since the moment he decided to stay and to help the team and to fight for Manchester United he's an important player for us,” said Mourinho.