Stumbling forward: Rooney, front, was believed to be unhappy with Ferguson, but Moyes could give him a fresh start

Wayne Rooney is likely to perform another dramatic about-turn by committing his future to Manchester United under David Moyes.

The England striker told Sir Alex Ferguson that he wanted a transfer 2½ weeks ago — the second time in less than three years that he has threatened to leave the club — but the request came before the player knew that the 71-year-old Scot would be retiring at the end of the season.

Rooney’s issues are understood to lie with Ferguson, with whom his relationship has become increasingly strained in recent weeks, and not United. The player is believed to view the appointment of Moyes as a chance to reinvigorate his career at Old Trafford.

Moyes and Rooney fell out when the player left Everton