Wayne Rooney refuses to hand in transfer request despite wish to leave Manchester United

Wayne Rooney has decided against lodging a formal transfer request with Manchester United, bringing to an end to the summer-long saga regarding his future.

The move should also signal the close of Chelsea's interest after José Mourinho stated on Monday evening that Rooney had to make formal his wish to leave within 48 hours or the prospective deal would be over.

Although the striker has never said why he wanted to leave the champions, Rooney's relationship with United had broken down, after Sir Alex Ferguson, the former manager, played him out of position, dropped him for key games last season and claimed Rooney had asked for a transfer.

Mourinho appeared to concede defeat in his pursuit of Rooney after Chelsea's 0-0 draw with United at Old Trafford. "We are not silly to try something if somebody didn't start it. So I think it is time for the good of everyone to finish the story. For one side, for the other side," he said.

"It depends on this [Rooney's decision]. It depends on his reaction and his feelings. If now he doesn't want to leave, we are out of the thing. But we need to know. We need to know what is happening."