David Moyes has revealed that Chelsea were close to signing Wayne Rooney during his ill-fated tenure as Manchester United manager . Moyes , who gave Rooney his professional debut as a 16-year-old at Everton , succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer of 2013 - with the England striker being heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge at the same time . The pair had a well-publicised falling out following Rooney 's departure from Goodison Park in 2004 , but Moyes fought hard to retain the United forward 's services at Old Trafford . Wayne Rooney ( left ) tracks Eden Hazard during Manchester United 's clash with Chelsea on Saturday . Rooney gets a shot away despite the attention of Kurt Zouma during his side 's 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge . ' I look at Wayne Rooney . I gave him his professional debut aged 16 and he 's now on the verge of breaking all Manchester United 's scoring records , ' Moyes told the Sunday Times . 'It was only a short time ago that Wayne could have easily left United . But I always felt he was as good as any British player out there ; wherever he plays , he 's a great footballer and , most importantly , he 'll always score goals . 'Now , I 'm delighted for Wayne , because Chelsea were close to taking him . Jose ( Mourinho ) was interested but we would n't do any business . David Moyes succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as United manager during the summer of 2013 . ' I had to fight to make sure he stayed - and was at the heart again , of what Manchester United were going to be moving forward . ' Rooney has been a vital cog in Louis van Gaal 's new-look United outfit this season with his side on course on for a Champions League place next year despite their 1-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday . Moyes gave a 16-year-old Rooney his professional debut at Everton back in 2002 .
David Moyes gave Wayne Rooney his professional debut at Everton . Moyes was appointed Manchester United 's new manager in 2013 . Hide Caption