Manchester United Supporters' Trust have backed manager Sir Alex Ferguson following the confirmation today that Wayne Rooney wants to leave the club.

Ferguson broke his silence over the issue by revealing United's star striker called off contract negotiations in August, with his current deal due to run out in the summer of 2012.

Rooney could therefore leave Old Trafford as soon as January.

MUST, who are vehemently opposed to the Glazer family's ownership of the club, used the issue to again highlight the financial concerns at United.

An MUST spokesman said: "Like the vast majority of United supporters, we are disappointed to hear the news that Rooney may be leaving and we still hold out hope that the situation can be resolved.

"We back Sir Alex's judgment as ever but our concern lies with the owners. They have saddled us with a huge debt and they are taking more and more money out of the club every season and the lack of net investment in the squad since they arrived is clear to all.

"We know where the money is going and it has to stop. The question being asked by many fans is does the ambition of the owners match that of Rooney or indeed Manchester United supporters?

"On the evidence so far, it would appear the answer is clearly not."

Rooney has already been linked with a move to United's neighbours Manchester City, one of the few clubs who could afford the huge transfer fee and wages that would surely be required to secure his signature.

The MUST spokesman added: "The contrast could hardly be starker between the owners at Manchester City, who are pumping millions into their club, while the Glazers are leaching huge amounts out of ours."