Source: Daily_Mail
Wayne Rooney scandal: David Weir calls on Rangers fans to give star an easy ride
Tongue-in-cheek? Weir has told Rangers fans to lay off Rooney [LNB]Rangers skipper David Weir does not believe there is any point trying to wind Wayne Rooney up at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. [LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson claimed he left Rooney out of Saturday's Premier League draw at Everton because he feared the abuse directed at him by the Goodison Park crowd would have a detrimental effect on his performance. [LNB]Despite the on-going problems in his private life, Rooney isexpected to face Rangers tomorrow when Manchester United open theirlatest Champions League campaign. [LNB]As an old team-mate ofRooney from their days at Everton, Weir knows the 24-year-old well. Andhe feels if the Rangers fans have any intention of trying to make lifeuncomfortable for Rooney, they would be better served not bothering. [LNB]'Iam more interested in Wayne Rooney as a footballer and I don't thinkthere is any need to give him any encouragement,' said the veterandefender. 'He is one of the best players in the world.'[LNB] Weir still remembers seeing Rooney breaking into the Everton firstteam set-up. 'He was only 16 but he took to it like a duck to water,'he said. [LNB] Easy rider: Weir says there is no point trying to wind up his former team-mate [LNB]'He scored some great goals; some famous goalslike the one against Arsenal that launched his career. 'Since then hehas gone from strength to strength. [LNB]'Everyone loved him andit is great to see him doing so well, although I am not sure havingplayed with him will give me any kind of advantage tomorrow.'[LNB] Sticky Toffee Pudding: United came unstuck on Saturday as Mikel Arteta blasted home a stoppage-time equaliser [LNB] Rangers manager Walter Smith had left Goodison Park before Rooney made his big first-team breakthrough, having been denied the chance to play him because of his age. [LNB]'We weren't allowed to do it,' recalled Smith. 'But he was an outstanding young player, the best I have seen in my own career. [LNB]'There is no doubt he has made his mark in football already and he has a tremendous amount of football to play in the future.'[LNB] Wayne Rooney raring to go as Manchester United striker trains ahead of crunch tie with RangersLet me play! Axed Rooney begs Fergie to return to action against RangersJonny Evans warns Rangers to expect Champions League backlash as Manchester United are still hurtingMANCHESTER UNITED FC
