Old Trafford reception for want-away Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney uncertain

Sunday is certain to be a special occasion

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney during an English Premier League soccer match (EPA)

Old Trafford is preparing to say farewell to Sir Alex Ferguson on Sunday - but Wayne Rooney faces an uncertain reception at Manchester United's final home game of the season.

United's Barclays Premier League encounter was always set to be special given it will be followed by the trophy presentation.

However, now it has been confirmed Ferguson's 1,499th game in charge will be his last at the stadium he has called home for so long, the day is sure to be tinged with raw emotion considering both supporters and staff have been in tears since the Scot announced his retirement on Tuesday.

Having scrapped his normal pre-match press conference, Ferguson is intent on making his first public pronouncements in front of a capacity crowd, some of whom are said to be forking out around £3,000 for tickets on the black market such is the clamour to get in.

With a stand already named in his honour and a statue outside, meaningful tributes for Ferguson's stellar career are already in place.

But one last reception will underline just what he means to a club he will watch from the stands at Old Trafford from now on.

Of his 13 league titles, Rooney has been part of the squad for five.

Affection for the 27-year-old has been in short supply since he handed in a transfer request two-and-a-half years ago.

And although he has not made his discontent quite so public this time around, Rooney will hardly have endeared himself to the United faithful by asking to leave a couple of weeks ago, information that has only just made its way into the public domain.

There have been a few critics of Rooney, who has been linked with Chelsea and Paris St Germain, on social media sites and it would be no surprise if the reaction was negative on Sunday, even if the day itself is supposed to be joyous.

It is said Rooney is open to the possibility of remaining at United, although with two years left on his lucrative contract, new manager David Moyes is already facing a pretty significant decision.

Moyes has already sold Rooney once, although the pair have patched up their differences over content in the striker's autobiography which led to the current Everton boss suing his former player.

PA