Jose Mourinho has hailed Wayne Rooney's enduring value to Manchester United – but admitted he may not stay beyond the summer.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman spoke glowingly about Rooney this week and raised the prospect of bringing the former Toffees striker back to his old club.
Rooney ended speculation about his future – and a potential deadline day move to China on February 28 – by committing himself to United for the rest of the season.
The United and England captain has one year left on his contract, but Mourinho, while lauding his skipper, said there was no guarantee the 31-year-old will stay beyond the summer.
Mourinho was in playful mood ahead of United's Premier League clash with Bournemouth at Old Trafford tomorrow, and predicted the first few questions at his media briefing.
“So shall I do the questions then?” said Mourinho. “Wayne Rooney to Everton?
“Okay. I only can say that in the final, with the result 2-2, with the team in difficulty, with the team possibly going to play 40 more minutes, Rooney was ready to go onto the pitch.
“So he's not a player you play in the last minute, to give hm a gift to be in a wining final, he's a player you trust and you are going to play, with making probably your crucial change.
“So, until the end of the season, 100 per cent he is with us. Next season, I would like him to be with us, but he is always a player who is always very important, but I cannot say [100 per cent he will be at United].
“He is selected for tomorrow with possibilities to play – to start or to be on the bench.
“So, since the moment he decided to stay and help the team and to fight for the team, he is an important player for us, and I think by giving you these two little – or big tales - I'm telling you all the talk about Everton makes no sense.”
Mourinho also said he sees top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has 26 goals this season, staying next season and extending his spell with United.
“I see him staying with us, because the initial agreement was to come for us for one year, plus us to have the option for a second,” said Mourinho.
“So I see him staying with us after an amazing, successful first season. So I think Zlatan will be fundamental in the second year of this team.
“My feeling is that he's really proud of himself, very proud of his success and his situation, so I see him staying with us.”
Mourinho also revealed defender Luke Shaw, who has played one match since November 30, will be included in United's squad tomorrow.
“Luke Shaw is selected for tomorrow, so you won't need to have the guys at the Lowry taking pictures of the players, to see which ones are on the list,” said Mourinho.
On his own position at United, Mourinho claimed he had proved wrong the perception of him as being a difficult manager to work with.
“I think Manchester United knows I'm not the monster people thought I was,” said Mourinho.
“I'm not such an arrogant guy and not such a difficult guy to work with.
“Until now, no-one runs away when I arrive at the training ground, so I think the people are quite happy to have me around and work with me.”