Wayne Rooney has blamed the Glazer family's financial grip on Manchester United for his decision to leave the Old Trafford. In a 229 word statement the English footballer said that the club's failure to compete for the "top players in the world" was the main reason for his departure.

After increased speculation Rooney confirmed on Wednesday that he would not be signing new terms to replace the final 20 months of his contract.

Earlier this week United manager Sir Alex Ferguson detailed the break down of Rooney's alliance to the club during a press conference. Following on from this Rooney immediately found himself vilified and castigated by loyal United supporters.

United have spent less than £50 million on new players since the £80 million sale of Ronaldo to Real Madrid. But Ferguson has shrugged off the lack of player investment saying that there is no value in the transfer market.

Rooney said: "I met with (chief executive) David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad. I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract.

"I was interested to hear what Alex had to say yesterday and surprised by some of it. It is absolutely true, as he said, that my agent and I have had a number of meetings with the club about a new contract.

"During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world. I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?

"For me it's all about winning trophies -- as the club has always done under Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified."

Rooney, who has won eight major trophies under Ferguson at Old Trafford, added: "Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18.

"For Manchester United's sake I wish he could go on forever because he's a one-off and a genius," Rooney added.