Video | Angry Utd fans outside Rooney home, as talks continue

Officers were called to the footballer's £4.5 million mansion in the village of Prestbury, Cheshire, at 8.30pm on Thursday night after a mob of up to 30 people descended on the property.

The protest by fans came after Rooney, 24, dropped the bombshell that he no longer wanted to play for the Red Devils.

There is rising speculation that the former Everton player may leave to join United's great rivals, super-rich Manchester City - a nightmare scenario for Old Trafford fans.

The star's refusal to sign a new contract was revealed by a crestfallen Sir Alex Ferguson earlier this week and has been met with rising anger by supporters of the club.

Rooney's home, which he shares with his wife Coleen and son Kai, is surrounded by a wall and gates for added security. The house is on a "millionaires' row" with Rooney's neighbours including fellow United players, Wes Brown and Michael Carrick.

The club's chief executive, David Gill, has pleaded for patience as talks with the player continue.

After claiming on Wednesday evening, hours after Rooney released a statement confirming that United no longer matched his ambition, that he wanted the whole matter "put to bed", manager Sir Alex Ferguson held talks with Mr Gill at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Mr Gill subsequently spoke with Rooney's trusted adviser Paul Stretford. While there was nothing positive to announce, there was nothing definitive on the player's exit either.