FURIOUS FERGIE IGNORED BY ROONEY

Last updated : 09 June 2006 By Editor
We all know how much Fergie can bear a grudge.

From the Guardian:

Beyond the World Cup, Rooney will have other concerns. Ferguson, it emerges, wanted the 20-year-old to put club before country and withdraw of his own accord. United's manager expressed his feelings in the strongest possible terms, breaking off from holidaying in the south of France to warn his player of where his priorities should lie. The consequences would be dire if he were to be re-injured, and a deeply aggrieved Ferguson said as much.

[Doc] Wallace also lectured Rooney about the dangers of rushing back and susceptibility to secondary injuries such as hamstring and thigh strains. He was adamant Rooney should wait until the knockout stages and United asked the FA to add its name to a joint statement confirming the striker would be held back. Eriksson refused.

United's stance is that Rooney's foot still needs protection, which is substantiated by the fact he has been instructed to put special insoles - orthotics - in his boots. The club have also cited Eriksson's declaration from the last World Cup that David Beckham had fully recovered from his metatarsal injury. Eriksson subsequently admitted Beckham was only 70% ready.