Manchester United news & transfer rumours: Witsel, Rio and Rooney

Life at Old Trafford is sweet for Sir Alex, his team sits comfortably at the top of the league and star striker Robin Van Persie is proving to be a worthy investment, the final piece of the Glaswegian’s puzzle could be a Belgian by the name of Witsel.

Axel Witsel, one of the recent big money foreign imports at Zenit St. Petersburg along with Hulk, has been subject to personal attacks from fans and is expected to leave the Russian club with Manchester United.

Reports from the continent suggest Witsel is unhappy with life in Russia and may entertain the idea of switching to the Premiership, a move that would delight Sir Alex who had tried to nab the Belgian midfielder last term but was put off by the 30 million euros price tag.

This transfer rumour is propelled by the fact that Axel Witsel is represented by the same agent as Old Trafford goalkeeper David de Gea, who may wish to tie up business with a familiar face in the Premiership once again.

As Ferguson turns to youth as the future of his beloved club he may have to call time on defender Rio Ferdinand’s career, the 34-year-old Manchester United former captain may only be offered a one-year extension proving he can maintain his fitness.

Ferdinand has been plagued with injury on and off for the best part of five seasons, Sir Alex must now make a decision as to whether his defender can continue to compete at the highest level or make way for youngsters Chris Smalling and Phil Jones lead the back line.

In other news away from transfers and exit speculation Wayne Rooney made the unexpected Swiss appearance to the delight of a group of children.

Rooney, 27, turned up at a community project sponsored by UEFA to teach young children to play football as a belated punishment for sent off during a match between England and Montenegro in October 2011 for viciously kicking a Montenegro defender.

The Manchester United agreed to partake in sessions such as target practice and shooting drills for young footballers in an event that was in conjunction with the Swiss football association.

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