Sir Alex Ferguson ignites Wayne Rooney burnout fears
Sir Alex Ferguson has ordered Wayne Rooney to start protecting his precious talent after telling the striker that he has only himself to blame for aggravating an injury.
In a rare public criticism of the Manchester United forward, Ferguson said he was disappointed with Rooney for playing almost a full game for England against Egypt at Wembley on Wednesday, despite nursing a sore knee that could rule him out of the champions Barclays Premier League match away to Wolverhampton Wanderers today.
The injury has raised fears that Rooney is running himself into the ground just when England in a World Cup year and United need him.
Ferguson said Rooney should have asked to come off long before he was substituted in the 86th minute of Englands 3-1 win after complaining of a knee problem in the Carling Cup final on Sunday. I was disappointed more with Wayne than England, Ferguson said. He didnt come off, I couldnt believe it, and now hes a doubt. He should have signalled to come off.
I dont blame Fabio Capello, the England manager, but dont forget he Rooney was not supposed to be playing at all. Thats what Wayne told us on Sunday because he was feeling his knee. Then all of a sudden people put an arm round his shoulder with England and he wants to play. His own enthusiasm has caused it. He cant say no. Thats his problem.
Ferguson condemned the Wembley pitch as a ploughed field, believing it contributed to the hamstring injury that has ruled out Michael Owen for the season. But he also believes that Rooney must rein in his desire to play.
Its hard to quell people with that kind of enthusiasm because its a restless energy, thats his problem, the United manager said.
He cant sit still, hes on the go all the time. You dont want to take it away from him, but age does some good things for you. Eventually you say to yourself, I cant be bothered with all this running about all the time, and you have to take a rest some time.
