Jose Mourinho would like to keep Wayne Rooney with Manchester United next season.

Rooney's future has been the subject of intense speculation with the Chinese Super League and Everton linked with moves.

"So Wayne Rooney to Everton," Mourinho said, referring to this week's reports. "I only can say that in the final with the result 2-2, with the team in difficulties, with the team possibly going to play 40 more minutes, Rooney was ready to go into the pitch.

"So he's not the player that you play in the last minute or give a gift to be in the winning final, it is a player you trust, and you are going to play, probably your crucial change which is the last one.

"He is selected for tomorrow with possibilities to play obviously, start or be on the bench and come in.

"Since the moment he decided to stay and to help the team and to fight for Manchester United, he's an important player for us. And I think by giving you these two details, I'm telling you all the talk about Everton for me makes nonsense."

Asked if his skipper would remain at United next season, Mourinho said: "What I got was a very strong message of 'I don't go anywhere,' especially China because it was the market that was open until the end of February.

"'I don't go anywhere, I want to fight and help this team in everything we are in', so until the end of the season 100 percent he is with us. Next season 100 percent I would like him to be with us, but I don't give you 100 percent.

"I am the kind of manager that likes the players to be happy, not to be with me just because I want them with me."