Manchester United's Wayne Rooney. (Laurice Griffiths, Getty)
Television station Sky Sports on Tuesday quoted a source claiming Rooney was "angry and confused" by quotes attributed to his manager David Moyes.
Although the former Everton boss previously said Rooney was not for sale, he was quoted on Monday as suggesting the 27-year-old would be more of a replacement for Van Persie than a foil.
Rooney has been the subject of transfer speculation since Ferguson said at the end of last season the England forward had asked to leave the club.
"Overall my thought on Wayne is, if for any reason we had an injury to Robin van Persie, we'll need him," Moyes said during United's pre-season tour of Asia and Australia.
But he also added: "I want to be able to play the two of them, I want to use Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez as well. I want to give myself as many options as possible."
According to the Sky Sports source, Rooney felt he was at the peak of his career and after nine years with United had no need to prove himself any more.
While Van Persie plundered 30 league goals last season to finish Premier League top scorer for the second time in succession, Rooney found the net just 12 times.
Left out
Rooney was also left out by then manager Alex Ferguson in some crucial matches, including the Champions League second round clash with Real Madrid.
He has won the Premier League five times, the Champions League in 2008 and two FA Cups during his time at Old Trafford.
He was voted Players' Player of the Year in 2010 and Young Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006. He has scored 36 goals for England in 83 appearances.
The 27-year-old faces a month on the sidelines after suffering the injury and is doubtful for the Community Shield against FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic at Wembley on August 11 and England's friendly against Scotland three days later.
United begin their Premier League title defence at Swansea City on August 17. – AFP, Reuters