Wayne Rooney refuses to apologise ... but says he is at United to stay

Wayne Rooney has still not apologised to Manchester United's supporters following his recent contract saga – but has insisted he sees his long-term future at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson suggested last month that an apology from the striker would be forthcoming, following the protracted negotiations in which he threatened to leave after questioning the club's ambition, before signing a new five-year deal believed to be worth around £200,000 a week. But in an interview with MUTV, Rooney stopped short of saying sorry to the United's fans, while refuting the conspiracy theory that he only extended his contract so that the club can cash in on him in the future. "I've heard from different people that I've agreed a new deal so that the club can agree a higher price for me to join a different team somewhere along the line," the 24-year-old said. "But that's a load of rubbish. I've signed a new deal to stay here. My long-term future is at Manchester United. "I've always made it aware that I wanted to stay at this club. I had my concerns and voiced my opinion but it went from there. At the end of the day I'm delighted to have signed a new deal at United. I've said it before my long-term future is here at United. I want to help the younger players in the way Giggsy, Scholesy and Neville have helped me." The England forward also dismissed suggestions that some of his United team-mates had been giving him the cold shoulder since the episode. "The players have been fine. There's no problem whatsoever since the negotiations, not before or after. The press have probably made a big issue out of nothing." Rooney will make his first start since September against Rangers in the Champions League tomorrow, following his comeback as a second-half substitute in the home win over Wigan Athletic on Saturday. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about the reaction from the fans but the reception was brilliant and all I want to do is get on the pitch and score goals," he said. "I can understand the fans' frustrations, obviously it happened in the public eye which made it more difficult. But the main thing for myself and the club is that we managed to agree that deal." Rooney also added that he is returning to full fitness after his month-long ankle injury. "My fitness is coming back. I went away for a week to the States to work on my fitness which I thought was just what I needed, to get away. "I've come back and trained well with the lads and I was happy to get 30-35 minutes on Saturday. The manager has said I'm going to play tomorrow against Rangers so I'm just looking forward to that."