'FERGIE GOES BALLISTIC' AS ROONEY ROW RUMBLES ON

Last updated : 27 March 2007 By Editor

The Sun:

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson went ballistic after hearing of coach McClaren's bust-up with Wayne Rooney in Israel. Ferguson fears Rooney is being made a scapegoat for England's mounting problems.

From The Telegraph:

It was another dark night for English football here on Saturday and life did not get any easier for Steve McClaren after the game when it emerged that the England manager had a dressing room row with Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United striker is understood to have taken exception to being singled out by McClaren for England's woeful record in front of goal.

Rooney responded angrily when McClaren said that he had to shoulder the responsibility for an England goalscoring record that has seen them score just once in the last five games - none of which have been victories - culminating in the 0-0 draw with Israel. Rooney, 21, is understood to have come back at his manager with the response that he is not the only one in the team capable of scoring goals.

 

McClaren:

"Why did I single out Rooney for criticism? I didn't say I did. I don't know where you are getting that from. I really don't. I didn't single out anyone.

"What goes on in a dressing room is private. I'll never criticise a player outside of the dressing room. I might inside. Whatever happens after a game, there was no rift between me and Rooney, absolute load of rubbish.

"Whatever was said in that dressing room was done respectfully and professionally. In fact, myself and Wayne have one of the best relationships of a player and coach because I've worked with him for many years.

"Why is he not playing well? Everyone can do better. I am not singling out one player. We all know what Wayne Rooney is and what he can be."