MANCHESTER United new-signing Wayne Rooney could be setting up home in Wilmslow - close to boss Sir Alex Ferguson and his team mates.

The 18-year-old joined United last week for £30m and could soon be spending some of his £90,000 weekly earnings in Wilmslow's bars, restaurants and shops.

He and fiancee Coleen McLoughlin have already seen two local properties close to Fergie. That will doubtless be very different to the Liverpool council house where Wayne grew up.

The area is home to other United stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand - plus former stars Any Cole, Dwight Yorke and Peter Schmeichel. So Wayne should have plenty of company if he fancies nipping out for a pint.

Old Trafford has great expectations for the youngster, who has many years ahead of him.

Wayne said: "I'm very excited about Manchester United because the players are unbelievable. The team and the fans come from all over the world. Hopefully, I can come into the team and do well."

Since leaving hard-pressed Everton, Wayne has stayed at a hotel near Wilmslow rather than his £900,000 Merseyside mansion. His departure infuriated some Everton fans - even more so for joining Manchester United.

Since then, he and Coleen have seen two homes close to Fergie's timber-framed tudor style home.

Sir Alex has described him as England's most exciting player for 30 years. And the boss is keen to develop a new generation of younger players to keep United successful.

He said recently: "I knew Wayne's potential years ago. But in the last two years it has been phenomenal. Manchester United could not afford to miss him."

Fergie and the club like to keep an eye on young players. So Wayne, like his team mates, will be expected to live close by and behave well at all times.

More than ever, young stars face great attention, and strong commercial and social pressures. So the 18-year-old will receive protection and advice from the club.

Raised on Merseyside, Wayne shot to national fame scoring four goals for England during the Euro 2004 championships in Portugal.

Although Manchester United showed an interest in Wayne when he was just a 14 year old schoolboy, last week's signing was an unexpected twist of fate after Newcastle United made a move for him.

Wayne was attracted by United's success in recent years and the prospect of playing club football at a European level. But perhaps the chance to live in Wilmslow clinched it for him.