Ferguson holds little hope for Rooney

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DeIpswich
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Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2004 8:35 pm
Location: Suffolk

Ferguson holds little hope for Rooney

Post by DeIpswich » Mon May 01, 2006 1:33 pm

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he holds little hope for Wayne Rooney to make a full recovery for the World Cup.

The nation held its breath when Rooney went down on Saturday against Chelsea clutching his foot, and with it now having been confirmed that the 20-year-old has fractured his metatarsal in his right foot, the early diagnosis does not look positive.

Rooney will need at least six weeks to recover from the injury, the exact period from when the World Cup commences, but such knocks can take longer to heal.

Ferguson admits that he knew as soon as Rooney went down at Stamford Bridge that the injury was serious and now, disappointed for his player, admits the prospects for Germany are not looking bright.

"When you see brave players staying down after a tackle you know it’s genuine and he’s in pain and that’s what I felt with Wayne," Ferguson told Manchester United radio.

"At first we didn’t think it was too bad, but when we sent him for the scan it identified the problem and we realised what a blow it was for the boy and for England.

"Fortunately for us we'll only be without him for two games, but without doubt it’s a crippling blow for England.

"I spoke to Wayne on Saturday evening and he was obviously a bit down, but I told him these things happen. You never know but at the moment I doubt that he’ll take part (in the World Cup) because of the recovery time."

Ferguson claims he has already attempted to get in touch with England coach Sven Goran Eriksson and that he will continue to keep the Swede updated on Rooney's progress in the ensuing weeks.

"I’ve tried to get hold of Sven so I can give him as clear an opinion from us as possible because he’ll be reading a lot of stuff in the newspapers," he continued.

"We’ve spoken to the England doctor and I think it’s important that I give as much information as I can to Sven to make sure he’s absolutely clear on what road he can take.

"Wayne will be in plaster for the next few weeks and he’ll be having regular scans to see how it’s healing.

"I would think this injury is even more of a killer-blow to him because he knows he’s missing major tournaments.

"This time round it’s even worse because he’s more mature and is a more rounded player who has improved dramatically over the last two years. So it’s a real, real blow."

While England's other players have been quick to wish Rooney well in his recovery, Ferguson believes that the pressure put on the 20-year-old is threatening to get out-of-hand and instead, insists that Eriksson's more senior men need to step up and take responsibility in his absence.

"I said a few weeks ago that I didn’t want to see this kind of pressure on a lad of 20 years of age.

"Other more experienced players such as David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville, should be taking the mantle.

"If England don’t have Wayne Rooney they will need to look at getting inspiration from other players."

hallamblue
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Post by hallamblue » Mon May 01, 2006 2:02 pm

I think we have to face facts that Rooney will stand little chance of being fit for the WC - and Sven should really exclude him from his plans and concentrate on who IS fit to take in Rooney's place.

To wait in the futile hope that he may be able to limp out onto the pitch later on in the competition does little to install confidence or team - building at this crucial time IMHO !

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