( CNN ) -- Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has dismissed reports that Wayne Rooney could be leaving the English Premier League leaders as `` absolute rubbish '' and insisted Friday the striker would be at Old Trafford next season . Rooney , who has two years left on his contract at United , was surprisingly left on the bench for Tuesday 's 2-1 home defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 , with Danny Welbeck preferred . Ferguson claimed the decision was `` completely tactical '' with the aim of blunting the creativity of Real midfielder Xabi Alonso and was not as a result of a rift with Rooney . `` We do n't always get it right but I think we did get it right. , '' Ferguson told the official Manchester United website . `` Danny Welbeck is the best player we have in terms of operating in a double role . '' He went on : `` There is absolutely no issue between Wayne Rooney and I . To suggest we do n't talk to each other on the training ground is absolute nonsense . '' United take on Chelsea in the quarterfinals of the English FA Cup Sunday and Ferguson confirmed the 27-year-old Rooney , signed from Everton in 2004 , would play some part and was there to stay . `` Wayne will be here next year , '' he promised . `` You have my word on that . I have no issues at all with the player and he 'll be involved on Sunday . '' Rooney threatened to leave the Red Devils in October 2010 , but was talked out of it by Ferguson , pledging his future to United with a lucrative new contract . He had been linked with a move across Manchester to arch rivals Manchester City , who pipped them to the EPL title last season . City manager Roberto Mancini appeared to rule out any attempt to sign Rooney this time around when he addressed reporters Friday . Mancini said : `` I do n't know . I do n't know this situation . I can understand Rooney would be upset if he did n't play but these are things that can happen in every team . After one week it is finished . `` I think that Rooney is one of the best strikers in Europe but I think it is difficult he can leave Man United , '' added the Italian . Meanwhile , Mario Balotelli , the striker let go by Mancini in the transfer window , continued his excellent start to his AC Milan career . Balotelli , a second half substitute for Gianpaolo Pazzini , who had put Milan ahead at Genoa Friday night , scored the second to seal the three points . It was his fifth Serie A goal in five games since joining Milan , who had to play the last 25 minutes without defender Kevin Constant , who was red carded . It leaves them two points behind second placed Napoli ahead of the weekend fixtures .
Mario Balotelli dismisses reports that Wayne Rooney leaving Man Utd . Mario Balotelli says England striker will be at Old Trafford next season . Confirms he will play some part in FA Cup tie with AC Milan . Alex Ferguson scores again for Chelsea Sunday in Genoa win .