Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that he is an admirer of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Rooney's future has been the subject of intense speculation since former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that the striker had submitted a transfer request at the end of last season.

New manager David Moyes has repeatedly ruled out the possibility of selling Rooney, but Mourinho admits that he likes the 27-year-old "very much".

"It is a tricky question because, from the ethical point of view, I cannot speak of players of other teams," Mourinho told reporters.

"But you know me, it is not my kind of character to speak with hypocrisy and I speak what I think and he is a player I like very much.

"I cannot say much more that than, but being fast and direct, I like him very much, but he is a Manchester United player."

Rooney was today sent home from United's pre-season tour of Asia due to a hamstring injury.