Rooney future on Fergie agenda

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to face questions about Wayne Rooney's future when he addresses the media on Friday.

Last Updated: 08/03/13 at 09:49 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Wayne Rooney to sign for before 1st September 2013. Click here to bet.

Rooney: Ferguson set to field questions

Rooney: Ferguson set to field questions

Ferguson's decision to omit the England star from his starting line-up to face Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek has sparked suggestions the 27-year-old could leave Old Trafford.

Ferguson has not yet spoken on the matter after failing to give TV interviews or attend the press conference after Tuesday's controversial 2-1 loss to the Spanish giants in a match that turned on Nani's red card.

There have been suggestions that Rooney's fitness and attitude have been an issue and that the contract wrangle involving the former Everton man in 2010 remains a sore point.

But all that is speculation with neither United nor Rooney's representatives having commented.

Statistics show Rooney remains a highly effective figure having contributed to 24 goals in 26 Premier League or Champions League appearances this season in terms of scoring himself (12 goals) or providing the assist (12).

Rooney's former England manager Steve McClaren believes too much has been read into Rooney's substitute role and expects him to remain a key figure at United.

McClaren, who also worked as Ferguson's assistant from 1999-2001, told Sky Sports News: "People get a perception of a player on the field and say he is not this or that.

"But if the stats are that - is he doing his job, is he scoring, is he assisting - as long as he is doing that he will always be a Manchester United player."

Although United were beaten by Real, they were in control of the game until winger Nani was sent off in contentious circumstances just before the hour.

McClaren felt Ferguson got his tactics right and Rooney could have no comeback on that front.

He said: "He has got many good players and he picks a team on form, fitness and on doing the job on the night.

"On the night Wayne Rooney would have sat on the bench and had no complaints about the tactics.

"He won't be happy and Sir Alex does not expect his players to be happy about not playing.

"What he is looking for, for the team, is a reaction from Wayne Rooney, and no better place to start than at Old Trafford on Sunday."

United face Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, a match which Ferguson's latest press conference was arranged to preview.

But after failing to fulfil media duties on Tuesday - for which Ferguson is facing a UEFA charge - the Scot is also likely to be questioned about the Champions League exit.

Bet with SkyBet  Wayne Rooney to sign for before 1st September 2013. Click here to bet.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

thought you were describing Bart Simpson there from the episode where he sold his soul to Milhouse. I wonder do automatic doors work for Michael Owen.

sulman
The Evaporation Of Michael Owen

R

afa Benitez has won more trophies (10) over the past 11 years than the rest of the current managers in the EPL combined, except for Alex Ferguson.

angry bird
Chelsea duo salute Benitez

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

Footer 365

Ferguson wins LMA Manager gong

Sir Alex Ferguson has been named the LMA's Premier League Manager of the Year, with Malky Mackay, Gary Johnson and Martin Allen also rewarded.

Brighton apologise to Crystal Palace for dressing room 'vandalism'

Brighton have apologised to Crystal Palace for the "vandalism" in their dressing room before last week's play-off semi.

Hodgson waits on Cleverley

England are waiting to find out if Tom Cleverley will be fit to face Republic of Ireland and Brazil after calling Jack Rodwell into the squad.

Mail Box

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved