Manchester United's Wayne Rooney trains ahead of Rangers clash
Wayne Rooney has been in training ahead of Manchester United’s crucial clash with Rangers in the UEFA Champions League, it was revealed today.
The married striker had been left out of the squad which drew 3-3 with Everton in the English Premier League on Saturday after he was subject to tabloid accusations that he solicited the services of prostituteswhile his wife was pregnant.
With Everton fans already notorious for the hostile reception they afford to Rooney, a former player at Goodison Park, Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson was concerned about the added abuse the 24-year-old would face and decided to leave him out of the match entirely.
However, Rooney played for the England national team last Tuesday, after the newspaper reports, and scored the opening goal in a 3-1 UEFA 2012 European Football Championship qualifying match against Switzerland, in his second straight match of strong international play.
With United’s Champions League campaign about to kick off, the forward was seen laughing and joking as he trained with his team-mates this morning. He is back in Ferguson’s thoughts for the Champions League match and is likely to start in tomorrow’s game.
'No regrets'
Ferguson told reporters today that: “I've no regrets about leaving him out (against Everton). I did the right thing. He's a terrific player and he'll be looking forward to tomorrow. We expect a good performance from him"
The match against the Scottish Premier League champions will provide United with the chance to get their season back on track after slipping up against Everton.
United were 3-1 up heading into injury time and had looked to be on course to secure three valuable points. However, late goals by Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta within a minute of each other meant that United had to make do with a draw.
That result means that they are already four points behind defending champions and league-leaders Chelsea.
Ferguson will now be looking to put that disappointment behind him as he prepares his side for their first match in European competition this season. Aside from Michael Carrick, Ferguson has the luxury of having all of his 25-man Champions League squad available for selection and Rooney is likely to be one of the first names on his teamsheet.
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