Manchester United transfer news: David Moyes reveals he 'had to fight to stop Wayne Rooney from joining Chelsea' in 2013

The manager began his reign at Old Trafford with battle to keep forward

David Moyes and Wayne Rooney back in March 2014 (GETTY IMAGES)

David Moyes has revealed that he had to fight to keep Wayne Rooney at Manchester United during the summer of 2013, with Chelsea "close to taking him" after Sir Alex Ferguson's departure.

Moyes lasted just 10 months in charge of the club during a woeful tenure, and began his reign with a battle to keep hold of Rooney. The pair had been embroiled in a very pubic falling out from when Rooney left Everton, then managed by Moyes, to join United back in 2004.

"I look at Wayne Rooney. I gave him his professional debut aged 16 and he's now on the verge of breaking all Manchester United's scoring records," Moyes told the Sunday Times.

'It was only a short time ago that Wayne could have easily left United. But I always felt he was as good as any British player out there; wherever he plays, he's a great footballer and, most importantly, he'll always score goals.

'Now, I'm delighted for Wayne, because Chelsea were close to taking him. Jose [Mourinho] was interested but we wouldn't do any business."

Moyes, who now manages Real Sociedad, moved United from Everton in July 2013 but failed to continue the success set by his predecessor, Sir Alex Ferguson.