Wayne Rooney reveals he's STAYING at Manchester United as captain declares: 'I hope to play a full part in helping the team fight on four fronts' 

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Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has announced that he will stay at Old Trafford and help the side battle 'on four fronts'. 

Rooney has been linked with a move to the Chinese Super League after falling down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho. 

In a brief statement, the club's all-time record goalscorer said:  'Despite the interest which has been shown from other clubs, for which I'm grateful, I want to end recent speculation and say that I am staying at Manchester United.

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has announced he will not be leaving the club

Rooney has started three games for United since December 17 under manager Jose Mourinho

'I hope I will play a full part in helping the team in its fight for success on four fronts. It's an exciting time at the club and I want to remain a part of it.'

Speculation over the 31-year-old's future intensified after his agent, Paul Stretford, travelled to China this week to speak with interested parties in the CSL before the Chinese transfer window closes on February 28.

A deal taking Rooney away from United before the transfer window closed next week was always understood to be highly unlikely, with Beijing Guoan, Guangzhou Evergrande, Jiangsu Suning and Tianjin Quanjian among those expressing interest. 

Stretford's presence in the Far East came after Mourinho had given no guarantees on the future of his captain, refusing to rule out his departure earlier this week: 'You have to ask him. Of course I can't guarantee he will still be here next season. 

The 31-year-old has signalled his desire to see out his United contract, which runs until 2019

Mourinho had earlier this week revealed that Rooney would be able to decide on his future

'What I can guarantee is that, if one day Wayne leaves the club, it is not because I want him to leave the club. That's the only thing I can guarantee. 

'I would never push - or try to push - a legend of this club to another destiny. 

'It is not a question for me because I am happy to have him. You have to ask him, not me. I was very open with you in the answer. I don't want him to leave.' 

Rooney's desire to stay put is understandable given United can still win four trophies this season in Mourinho's first season in charge.

While the player has had a diminishing influence on the side, victory over St Etienne confirmed United's place in the last 16 of the Europa League ahead of this weekend's EFL Cup final against Southampton at Wembley.

The forward became United's all-time leading goalscorer with his 250th strike against Stoke

The FA Cup holders are also preparing for a quarter-final next month against Chelsea, who they trail by 12 points in the Premier League.

Rooney, who has 16 months remaining on his £230,000-a-week contract, has been sidelined with an unspecified injury, starting just three games since December 17.

The record-breaking forward has won five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy since joining United as an 18-year-old for £27m from Everton in 2004. 

Rooney moved to end rumours over his United future, but his England future remains uncertain

Questions will continue to linger over the player's long-term future, and China will continue to remain an option, albeit one which may well bring his England career to an abrupt end.

The country's all-time top scorer has won 119 caps and is closing in on Peter Shilton's record of 125 appearances.

Rooney has already announced plans to retire from international football after the next year's World Cup in Russia.