Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United have to sort out their problems internally before they can move on this season.
The United boss was due to face the press this lunchtime for the first time since it was revealed that Wayne Rooney was refusing to sign a new contract at Old Trafford.
But in his programme notes for tomorrow night's Champions League clash with Turkish side Bursaspor, Ferguson admits that: "Manchester United have to put our own house in order."
Rooney is not mentioned by name in the piece but the manager's admission he has problems that he needs to sort out will worry the club's supporters.
The striker, who celebrates his 25th birthday on Sunday, looked in relaxed mood as he trained with the rest of his team-mates at Carrington this morning.
He is believed to have told United that he will not extend his contract beyond 2012 unless he is offered more than £150,000 a week.
Sources inside the club insist that there has not been a disagreement or bust-up between Rooney and Ferguson and claims that the pair have not spoken for a month have been denied.
But with United having made a less than auspicious start to the season — they have yet to lose but have drawn six matches — Rooney needs to show Ferguson that he wants to be part of the future at the club or they may well be forced to sell him in January, with deadly rivals Manchester City favourites to sign him.
