Former Manchester United midfielder Lou Macari believes that the rumours regarding Wayne Rooney's future have no foundation.

The England international has hit the headlines in recent days with reports claiming that Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is considering selling the 26-year-old following his exclusion from the starting lineup that went on to defeat Fulham 3-2 at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"He's a top player," Macari told talkSPORT. "He's there to help win back the Premier League title. There's no chance that Sir Alex Ferguson will allow Rooney to leave in the transfer window. It's crazy talk.

"The main thing from the Fulham game wasn't that he was omitted from the team. If you want to get someone out the door you can leave them sitting on that bench for 90 minutes. You're going to try and sicken him.

"But what did the manager do? He brought him on and unfortunately he picked up an injury. I could see this coming from when the team-sheets arrived. Everyone was saying 'Rooney for Man City'. But he was left out of the team to shake him up."

Meanwhile, the former Premier League champions are preparing to take on Southampton on Sunday.