Woodward has communicated United's position to senior figures at Chelsea, but with the two clubs meeting at Old Trafford on Monday there is a belief that Mourinho will authorise another bid for the transfer-seeking player in an effort to affect United's preparations and undermine Rooney's focus ahead of the game.
Chelsea have failed with bids of £20?million and £30?million for Rooney, with the London club's second offer being lodged, and rejected, two weeks ago. United's refusal to consider the bids has led Mourinho to admit that he is now considering a "plan B and plan C", one of which is understood to be Anzhi Makhachkala forward Samuel Eto'o, should Rooney remain beyond his club's reach.
However, with Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye being left out of his club's fixture against Manchester City on Monday because of the "distraction" of Arsenal's £10?million bid in the hours before the game, United are bracing themselves for the prospect of Chelsea attempting to similarly destabilise Rooney.
Having restored Rooney to United duty with a substitute appearance against Swansea City last Saturday, Moyes is understood to have no concerns about the England forward's ability to play against Chelsea, particularly as he was given a generous reception from the United fans at the Liberty Stadium.
Rooney's discontent at Old Trafford centres on the breakdown of his relationship with Ferguson. He enjoys a healthy relationship with Moyes and has no issue with the new manager, but Ferguson's ongoing presence at the club as a director has led the player to believe that the 71-year-old will continue to have a powerful voice and influence at Old Trafford.
With United insisting both publicly and privately that they have no intention of selling Rooney, efforts are now being focused on adding to the squad before the Sept 2 transfer deadline.
Moyes is prepared to make a renewed attempt to sign Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, potentially offering £40?million for the former Arsenal captain, who was relegated to the bench for the first leg of Barcelona's Spanish Super Cup tie against Atletico Madrid last night.
United are also ready to increase their offer to Everton for Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines. Everton described last week's bid for the pair of £28? million, plus £2?million in add-ons, as "derisory and insulting".
However, United are set to make a second bid of £35?million for the pair in an effort to break Everton's resolve.
Meanwhile, United defender Rio Ferdinand says the match against Chelsea on Monday is no bigger than their encounters with neighbours Manchester City and Liverpool.
Ferdinand, speaking at the launch of United's three-year partnership with Indian tyre manufacturer Apollo, said: "We don't take the Chelsea game any more seriously than those against our closest rivals like Liverpool and City. The feeling that you get when you beat them is still probably the biggest in the season.
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