Report: Sir Alex Ferguson considering Wayne Rooney sale

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly challenged Wayne Rooney to improve his attitude or risk being sold.

The 26-year-old started yesterday's 3-2 win over Fulham as a substitute, with new £24m signing Robin van Persie leading the line - and scoring.

According to The Sun, Ferguson has become increasing frustrated by Rooney's behaviour on and off the pitch to the extent that the club are willing to sell him for £50m if they do not see a marked improvement.

In his programme notes before the match at Old Trafford, Ferguson wrote: "I really respect players who clearly want to play for us and it has always influenced me when it comes to deciding who we should go for.

"The reverse is equally true for me because if I hear that a player has fallen out of love with us and is looking elsewhere I invariably help them on their way out."

Rooney is expected to miss the next four weeks of action after suffering a gashed leg in an accidental clash with Hugo Rodallega.