WAYNE ROONEY could miss another NINE games after manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that the Manchester United striker is unlikely to play for another fi ve weeks.
Wayne Rooney: Manchester United's star is unlikely to play for weeks, according to Sir Alex Ferguson
It’s the latest shattering blow to hit the 25-year-old England international, who has struggled for form and fi tness since damaging ankle ligaments against Bayern Munich in March. Rooney has been given a new £200,000-a-week fi ve-year Old Trafford contract.
But payback time for Ferguson will be placed on hold following the latest prognosis on a player who has already missed four games after being stretchered off with more ankle problems during training. Ferguson admitted: “I think Wayne will be out for another fi ve weeks. He will have to pick up his fitness again. I would think five weeks should be about right.”
It was initially felt that Rooney could be available for the Manchester derby at Eastlands on November 10 but Ferguson dismissed that adding: “No chance. Any player who has been out for a few weeks – you want them 100 per cent and not breaking down.”
In fact the United boss has written off the whole of November for his main striker, which will include England’s friendly against France on November 17.
There was also a sharp reminder that his status as United’s best-paid player doesn’t guarantee Rooney an automatic starting place when he is fit again.
Talking about Mexican striker Javier Hernandez’s impact Ferguson said: “Young players turn the corner and take someone’s place. It is a hard fact of life and it is one players should always remember, particularly players at the top.
“They think they are guaranteed a position and then a young kid comes along. It has happened time and again.”
Ferguson also maintains that he won’t be pressurised into big spending in the transfer market.
Ferguson said: “There has always been money to spend. We will buy when we need to buy but we won’t be buying in January – definitely not.
“If you want someone to play in Europe you are limited right away.
“There are hundreds of players cup-tied for Europe.
“We know what we need. There is always the issue if Edwin van der Sar retires. The same with Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville.”
Ferguson also revealed that midfielder Owen Hargreaves – out for two years with knee problems – is struggling to play again.
“He came back, did really well in training but he seems to have regressed and he is back with the physios now.”
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