Source: Daily_Mail
Wayne Rooney dropped to save him from abuse
England striker Wayne Rooney was dramatically withdrawn from Manchester United's Premier League clash at his former club Everton yesterday as his Old Trafford manager Sir Alex Ferguson tried to protect him from fans' abuse over his private life.[LNB] While the player issued a joint statement with his wife, Coleen, appealing for privacy as they held talks aimed at saving their marriage following allegations that he had paid prostitutes for sex while she was pregnant, Ferguson took the shock decision to drop him for the game at Goodison Park, where Rooney made his name as a teenager.[LNB]Wayne Rooney misses Everton clash for five-hour summit as he begs Coleen to take him back Missing: Wayne Rooney's private life has kept him out of the Manchester United team [LNB]Ferguson, whose team surrendered a 3-1 lead in injury time to draw 3-3 with Everton, said the decision was a one-off and Rooney would return against Rangers in the Champions League on Tuesday.[LNB] 'We've made that decision because he gets terrible abuse here and we don't want to subject him to that,' said Sir Alex. 'We have a fantastic squad and we will use it, but he will play on Tuesday.'[LNB]There is still bitterness among Everton fans at Rooney's decision to leave their club as an 18-year-old in 2004 in a £25.6million move to United, and he has been verbally abused whenever he returns.[LNB] Thrown away: Ferguson could not believe it[LNB]Rooney did not travel to Merseyside on Saturday and would have been disappointed to see his team-mates drop two points to Everton's sensational comeback.[LNB]But Rooney, 24, will be supported by United through his troubles, with the club expected to open contract talks in the next fortnight over a £140,000-a-week pay offer which would make him the highest-paid player in the club's history.[LNB]Both sides are determined that negotiations over a new deal, which were always affected by publicity over Rooney's private life.[LNB]Despite speculation that his Old Trafford future could be affected by the allegations, United want to agree a four year deal.[LNB]Rooney has two years left on his £90,000-a-week agreement, which puts him behind the club's £110,000-a-week top earner, Rio Ferdinand. [LNB] Rooney's young brother trains with Tranmere as free agent eyes moveSir Alex ready for 700th Premier League match - he's in a league of his ownEverton star Mikel Arteta still dreaming of playing for Spain after England opportunity fadesMoyes reveals pain over Rodwell KO - 'I thought he was only out for a week'EVERTON FC
