Wayne Rooney has signed a five year contract extension with Manchester United, the club announced this morning.

The news comes as a surprise since many believed, myself included, that the striker would join Manchester City or another rival club.

It’ll be interesting to hear what convinced Rooney to sign an extension since on Wednesday his prepared statement said that he believed the club lacked ambition.

Man United chief executive David Gill spoke with Rooney’s agent on Thursday and continued their negotiations until the announcement was made this morning.

The news comes as a welcome relief for many United supporters who realize how much the club need Rooney. However, the whole debacle was handled poorly by Rooney and his agent, and it’s possible that many Man United supporters may never forgive him for the way he showed little loyalty and trust toward the club and fans.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Old Trafford crowd reacts to Rooney’s next performance and whether he gets a lukewarm reception.