Man Utd Could Answer Wayne Rooney's Contract Demand with Stunning £56m Signing

Manchester United could answer Wayne Rooney's contract demand with a stunning £56m signing.

Back in 2010, the English striker's Old Trafford future was surrounded by speculation, with rumours linking him with a shock move to Manchester City.

At the time, Rooney revealed that he wanted to leave United because he believed the club were in decline. He pointed to the failure to replace some of their biggest stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez as an example.

But in October 2010, Rooney made a U-turn and signed a new five-year deal. He stayed at the club until 2017, when he fell out of favour under Jose Mourinho.

Since then, United have been criticised for failing to replace their attacking stars.

But next summer, they could have the perfect chance.

Harry Kane celebrates for Bayern Munich. Image: Maja Hitij / Staff via Getty

According to German outlet Bild, Kane will be available for £56.7 million so long as he announces his intention to leave Bayern Munich before the end of the January transfer window.

United have long admired the England captain, with Erik ten Hag wanting to sign the 32-year-old.

But instead, the club opted for Rasmus Hojlund, who struggled across two seasons, before departing for Napoli this summer.

What did Wayne Rooney say?

Speaking to former teammate Rio Ferdinand, Rooney opened up on his contract sage from 2010.

He said: "That question I asked then in 2010, it still hasn't been addressed from 2010, I think fans have seen that. When fans look back they'll be like you know what he's actually seen what was coming.

"This is probably my biggest contract I was ever going to sign so I wanted it to be right, I wanted to know, so I went in to the manager.

"No issue with the contract, before I go any further with the contract, what's the plan here?

Wayne Rooney playing for Man Utd in 2010. Image: Michael Regan / Staff via Getty

"Who are we bringing in to replace Tevez and Ronaldo, and he went for me. It was just me and him, he's gone for me, so I've said: 'no problem,' walked out, got in my car, drove to Old Trafford, met David Gill.

"I was like, there's no talking to him. I think it's a legitimate question to ask.

United lost the Premier League to Manchester City on the final day of the 2011/12 season. In response, Ferguson signed Robin van Persie from Arsenal.

The Dutchman was instrumental the following season, firing United to the title.

But after Ferguson retired, his impact quickly declined.

Rooney added: "So looking back, was I right? Was I wrong? I don't know, I shouldn't have questioned Alex Ferguson because everything he's done.

"Are we in transition for the next three years?"