Chelsea FC Manager Jose Mourinho took a shot at Manchester United Manager David Moyes for failing to handle the "Wayne Rooney" squabble smoothly.

Rooney has been the subject of media reports for the past few months because of his apparent unhappiness at Old Trafford, but Moyes has only made the situation worse by intimating that he will remain second fiddle to on-form striker Robin Van Persie.

Coming into their match on Monday, Mourinho made timely comments which were perceived as a ploy to destabilise order at the United camp.

When asked of the circulating rumour that he will be an unwelcome guest at Old Trafford on Monday, he reacted with much "mourinho-esque" sarcasm.

"They are against me? But I didn't say [to Rooney] you will be a second-choice for me. And they are against me?" Mourinho told The Guardian.

"We are trying to get a player that a manager told 'You will be a second option' for him. We are not going for Van Persie. They don't have to be against me. If I say Ramires is a second option for me and he plays when Lampard is tired or injured, if someone comes here to get Ramires, nobody is upset."

He was quick to respond when confronted with the question if Moyes is to be blamed.

"Of course," said Mourinho.

He reiterated the factor of managerial style in dealing with distinguished players.

"Of course big teams must have second choices. Big players too. The point is if the players are happy to accept that situation."

With less than a week left in the transfer window, Rooney remains a primary target for the Blues. However, the pursuit is temporarily delayed until after their match against United.

Meanwhile, Anzhi Makhachkala attacking midfielder Willain, who was originally headed to Tottenham, is likely to sign for the Blues in a couple of days for £32 million.

Rumours are also circulating that Chelsea is also after former Barca player Samuel Eto'o, whose agent will be present on Monday night's fixture.

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