Manchester United FC

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Ferguson ponders Rooney rest

27 Feb 2010 - 10:25:50

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he may be forced to rest Wayne Rooney in the coming weeks to avoid the prospect of possible burn-out.

The 24-year-old England striker has netted 27 times already for the Red Devils this term and is on course to challenge Cristiano Ronaldo's tally of 42 in all competitions last season.

However, Ferguson stated: "It (leaving him out) has to be a consideration simply because we have important games coming up.

"The problem is he is desperate to play, he is always desperate to play. Maybe it is his chance to play right-back, because he keeps telling everyone he is a great defender, centre-half or sweeper.

"We have ten league games after Sunday and hopefully six European ties. That is 17 games in total.

"A goal a game would bring him to 44. There's pressure for you, it is a target and who wouldn't love to get that kind of goal tally.

"It is hard to think he could reach it though. I don't think he has got that kind of target and I certainly haven't.

"He is in a great scoring burst right now. He is popping up in the right places at the right time and his judgment in the penalty box is improving. That is a nice sign.

"But I have said all along if he gets over 30 I will be delighted, so let's not be greedy."