Moyes Disputes Rooney Claim

David Moyes has made light of Jose Mourinho's claim that Manchester United could sell Wayne Rooney this summer.

Rooney is inside the final 18 months of his contract and was the subject of a failed Chelsea bid back in pre-season.

Mourinho now holds out little hope of landing last summer's number one target, but on the eve of United's trip to Stamford Bridge he suggested United could sell to a "non-domestic rival" in the coming months.

"Man United made it clear in the summer they don't swap or sell players to their direct rivals," said Mourinho.

"They were clear in the way they approached the Rooney situation. For them, it's pretty clear. They don't swap. They don't sell.

"I think maybe this summer they will try to sell to a non-direct rival. But they were very clear."

The Chelsea manager's comments were put to Moyes and he said: "I can only tell you that I disagree - although he will go to Brazil!"

The Scot passed up an invitation to criticise Mourinho over the timing of his comments - barely 24 hours before the teams meet on Super Sunday.

He said: "Everybody has their style. I wouldn't talk about other managers at other clubs and I wouldn't talk about other players at other clubs.

"I can't tell you what his motivation is but only time will give you an answer about Wayne. The club will deal with that - they will do all they need to do, no question."

Defeat in west London would be a fourth in five games for champions United, who will be without the injured Rooney and Robin van Persie and could finish the weekend 14 points off top spot if results go against them.

Mourinho has been careful not to write off Sunday's opponents, though, saying: "Man United are Man United.

"We play against the champions. We play Manchester United, not a team 11 points behind the leaders.

"I've played many big matches and this is what my experience tells me. A team that appears to be in the most difficulty can be the most dangerous.