SOCCER:WAYNE ROONEY has expressed his gratitude to Manchester United's supporters for easing his concerns about being openly abused but the striker stopped short of the public apology that Alex Ferguson had stated he would deliver.

Rooney will return to United’s starting line-up in their Champions League tie against Rangers tonight for the first time since the contract dispute that almost led to him leaving the club but, before flying to Glasgow, the forward took part in a carefully prepared interview with the club’s in-house television station to show his appreciation for the way the fans had shown they could forgive him.

An element of the Old Trafford crowd booed when he was brought on as a substitute against Wigan Athletic on Saturday but the dissent was largely drowned out by some prolonged vocal backing for the man who now ranks as the highest-paid player in the club’s history.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about the reaction from the fans but, overall, I thought the reception I got was brilliant,” Rooney said. “It was a great feeling, after being out for such a long time.”

Rooney’s sudden volte-face, signing a new five-year contract, had led to suggestions that United wanted to ensure they would get optimum value in the transfer market but the player dismissed that out of hand.

“I’ve heard from different people that I’ve agreed a new deal only so the club can agree a higher [transfer] price with a different team somewhere along the line, which is a load of rubbish. I’ve signed a new deal here to stay here. My long-term future is here at Manchester United.”

There was, however, no apology, which was perplexing considering that Ferguson had said one would be forthcoming, the United manager adding it was necessary because everyone associated with the club had “been hurt” by the player’s behaviour.

Rooney will get another chance in a pre-recorded interview that will be shown on television directly before the game. The best form of contrition, perhaps, is to return to the scoring form of last season and Rooney is undoubtedly in better shape after a training camp in Portland, Oregon.