Manchester United Forward Rooney Will Miss Season Start With Virus
Wayne Rooney is suffering from an illness picked up during Manchester United's friendly in Nigeria
The Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has announced that Wayne Rooney is unlikely to be fit in time for the start of the season after picking up a virus in Nigeria which has left the striker unable to train. Ferguson also reiterated that Cristiano Ronaldo will remain a United player, amid sustained interest from Real Madrid.
Rooney played in the 2-1 friendly win against Portsmouth in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on July 28 - a game for which his club reportedly received £2m. Ferguson was forced to defend the fixture against critics who argued that the 10-day tour of South Africa and the journey to Nigeria would drain the players ahead of the new season.
Manchester United begin the defence of their Premier League title at home to Newcastle United on August 17.
Rooney played in the 2-1 friendly win against Portsmouth in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on July 28 - a game for which his club reportedly received £2m. Ferguson was forced to defend the fixture against critics who argued that the 10-day tour of South Africa and the journey to Nigeria would drain the players ahead of the new season.
Manchester United begin the defence of their Premier League title at home to Newcastle United on August 17.
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