Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Rooney doubtful for opener

13 Aug 2006 - 11:04:25

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Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is a doubt for the start of the new Premiership season due to a niggling groin injury.

The 20-year-old England ace has been struggling during the pre-season build-up with the Red Devils and boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits that Rooney is a doubt to face Fulham next weekend.

Ferguson said: "It is going to be a push for Wayne to be fit.

"He has a groin injury which is causing a little bit of bother at the moment. It is nothing serious, but there is a worry about next Sunday."

Meanwhile, new national team boss Steve McClaren is hopeful that his assistant Terry Venables will help Rooney develop further as a player.

He commented: "Wayne Rooney is one of those special talents. You get the comparisons with different players and Terry has worked with Paul Gascoigne and got the very, very best out of Paul Gascoigne.

"We're hoping we can get the best out of Wayne Rooney as well. He will benefit. I know that.

"He's experienced for such a young lad but he's still got a lot to learn."