ROONEY: Chelsea waiting to pounce as we evaluate the season so far at United.

The link between Wayne Rooney and Jose Mourinho will not go away. After reported bids were made and rejected by David Moyes in the summer, it seems that Jose Mourinho and Chelsea are waiting for the situation with Rooney's contract to be resolved with a view to making a £30m bid once again.

This has become a very interesting situation six months down the line after those previous bids were rejected. It's a very different scenario in Manchester and I just wonder how the player feels at the moment about his future.

With David Moyes taking over at the club, it was always going to be a transitional period for United. The club has to get to used to the way he works and also the players. In my opinion looking from the outside in, what hasn't helped Moyes' situation and the stability of the club was to make as many changes to the back room staff as he has. It looks as though it has unsettled the collective group there.

Wayne Rooney has been an important part of Moyes' plans so far this season compared to Robin Van Persie for whatever reason. Rooney has also been given the captains armband on occasions as Moyes has demonstrated his trust in him.

However, you cannot ignore their current plight being ELEVEN points behind the Premier League leaders and a disappointing defeat at home to Swansea in the FA Cup third round yesterday. Although it's believed that Moyes will be given time, you have to wonder what would happen if they finished outside of the top four?

I personally believe United will pick up and they will finish fourth this season. I believe that Champions League qualification for a club like United is all important and would be the requirement this season from Moyes. It's similar to Chelsea of the last two seasons, a top four finish has to be the benchmark.

So what of Rooney? We know he has 18 months left of his current contract so United have time to sit and evaluate the situation in the summer. He also has Rio to look forward to with England and will lead our front line in the 2014 World Cup. You have to wonder how he would feel about United and his career at the end of the season.

Wayne Rooney is 28 now (29 in October) and you would have to imagine that he is looking for one more big contract to take him into his early thirties. Will that be at United?

I have stated on here time and time again that I fully understand why Mourinho wants to sign him and that's because I believe that he sees Rooney in a similar role to that of Eidur Gudjohnsen in his first spell here as manager.

Rooney can be the link man from midfield to attack and he can also score goals. He can be the complete forward and the focal point of our attack.

There are fresh reports linking Chelsea with a £30m bid for Rooney if contract talks between the player and United break down. You have to wonder that this all depends on the second half to United's season.

This is a story that will rumble on as the season progresses and it will be interesting to see what happens with Rooney. One thing is for sure, Jose wants him, Rooney knows he wants him and if United continue to stumble, the player could look for a move away at the end of the season.

What do you people think of Rooney and the current United situation? As I said, I believe that United will turn things around and finish fourth this term. Do you think that's enough for Rooney to commit to life in Manchester?

Carefree & KTBFFH!