David Beckham pleads with Wayne Rooney to stay with Manchester United and gives his backing to David Moyes

Former England captain wants striker to remain with club to help Moyes retain the league title for United

David Beckham has urged Wayne Rooney to stay at Manchester United (GETTY IMAGES)

Former England captain David Beckham has pleaded with Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to stay at Old Trafford while his future remains in the balance.

Rooney has been linked with a move away from the club throughout the summer after he asked for a transfer last season, and he has left the team’s pre-season tour of Asia to return home after he picked up a hamstring injury, ruling him out of action for about a month.

New manager David Moyes has insisted that Rooney will not be sold this summer despite interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain, and the recently retired Beckham has said: “I hope he stays because Wayne is such a talented player and I see him as a Manchester United player.

“Obviously that’ll be his decision and his decision only. As a Man United fan, I want to see the best players at the club and I hope he stays.”

Beckham spent over a decade under the leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson having been part of the well-publicised class of ’92. He won six Premier League titles at Old Trafford, and he has given his support to Moyes by backing him to retain the league title this season.

“It’s going to be interesting this year as there have been so many changes throughout the Premier League. Jose is back and that’s exciting. It’s going to be interesting, but I still think United will win the league. I’m a Manchester United fan!

“I’m sure he has had lot of mentoring, he is one of those managers that has always picked up the phone and spoken to Sir Alex.

“It was always going to be difficult job for whoever succeeded Sir Alex because of what the manager has brought to Mancester Utd, what he has brought to the game.

“But the same players are there and I’m sure a few more will be added over the next few weeks. Being manager of Man Utd is a great job.”

Moyes confirmed last week the additions of Phil Neville and Ryan Giggs to his backroom staff, a move that pleases Beckham as the two were also part of the class of ’92. He believes that it helps secure the legacy of Manchester United , and it’s important to have these key figures remain with the club as they can help develop the latest generation of United stars.

“It’s great about having a legacy and Manchester United have the biggest. Ryan Giggs has been there so many years and all the players look up to him. Phil Neville has gone back, such a talented person and coach.

“Obviously Gary Neville was involved in the club and Nicky Butt is involved with the reserves. So many of the young players respect them and look up to them. It’s important to have that.”