Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that striker Wayne Rooney was not in the right frame of mind to face Swansea City yesterday. The Red Devils' boss confirmed that Rooney had handed in a transfer request days before the match, and was not in the right moment in his career to play a difficult game against Swansea city.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Sir Alex said it "made sense" for Rooney not to play in Sunday's game. "I don't think Wayne was keen to play simply because he had asked for a transfer. He wants to think it through in his mind, which is a good idea."

Asked whether the England international will stay at the club, Ferguson told the BBC: "It's not my decision now."

It was a reversla from Ferguson, who not long ago told Sky Sports: "We are not going to let him go."

It is the second time Rooney has asked to leave United, the first being in October 2010, before he eventually decided to stay and signed a new five-year deal. Ferguson added: "I think he should go away and think it over again.

"He wasn't happy about being taken off a few times this season but a Wayne Rooney in top form wouldn't be taken off."

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, who spent 19 years at the club, winning eight Premier League titles, told Rooney that United was "the only club he should be playing at".

"in a couple of weeks, he will be coming away with England. Then he needs to have the summer off and hopefully get his head back to being a Manchester United player."