Rooney threats: 'If you leave, you're dead'

Furious fans have reportedly taken aim at want-away Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, gathering outside his house with a banner saying "if you join City, you're dead".

Witnesses said a group of about 40 people took to the star's home, a number wearing balaclavas and hooded tops, and launched into a series of death threats against the striker.

Rooney has said he wants to leave Manchester United, most likely to another club in the Premier League, The Guardian in the UK reported.

The striker's agent had re-entered negotiations with United earlier the same day of the protest, with the club issuing a statement confirming they had spend the day discussing Rooney's future.

"We are aware there is intense public and media interest on the club at the moment," Gill said. "I can confirm a number of meetings have taken place today, including with the player's representative. The outcome of those meetings will become clear in the near future. In the meantime fans are asked to be patient."

A fear of United stagnating and being unable to attract high-profile players is behind the move, Rooney revealed earlier this week.

Rio Ferdinand in 2005 had also a target of similar scare tactics after being photographed with then Chelsea Chief Executive Peter Kenyon.

Fans feared the defender was planning to move to another of United's fierce rivals.

According to reports, Manchester City are willing to pay Rooney £260,000 ($AU417,576) a week to play for them - an amount that would make him the highest paid player in the Premier League.

A move is looking likely, but reports said some directors at United want the striker to stay with the club.