Friday, September 10, 2010

Man Utd boss Ferguson brushes off Wayne Rooney talk


Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to discuss Wayne Rooney's current off-field problems ahead of Saturday's match at Everton.
Rooney is at the centre of allegations about his private life but Ferguson would not be drawn on the claims.
"Let's put it to bed straightaway. I am not discussing any of my players' personal lives," said Ferguson ahead of a trip to Rooney's former club.
Rooney, 24, and his wife Coleen have, meanwhile, appealed for privacy.
A joint statement from the couple issued on Friday read: "The last six days have been extremely painful for us and for our families.
"It is impossible for us, as it would be for any family, to attempt to resolve any issues in the current media glare and against the backdrop of so many inaccurate and intrusive stories."
Everton fans, though, are unlikely to pay any heed to this plea when the Croxteth-born striker, who shot to prominence as a 16-year-old at Goodison Park, takes to the field for Saturday's Premier League clash.

Moyes told reporters at his pre-match news conference: "I think if you are a good football journalist you don't ask those kind of questions.
"If you are a gossip journalist you ask me those questions. I am interested in talking about the game and that's what I'll do.
However, Everton defender Phil Jagielka predicted that the home fans will not hold back in dishing out some "stick" to Rooney, who left Goodison for Old Trafford in the summer of 2004.
"It should be amusing," said Jagielka, who has been on England duty with Rooney.
"It is always interesting playing against people you've just been away with in the week. No doubt I'll give him a bit of banter if he plays.
"There is a good chance he will get slaughtered. He normally gets quite a bit of stick anyway. I can't see that changing come Saturday."
But he continued: "I'm sure Wayne can deal with it. He is tough and will let his football do the talking.
"I will enjoy the battle against him. I like playing against good players and Wayne is definitely a good player."
 
Rooney was influential in helping England beat Bulgaria last Friday and, after allegations concerning his private life were made public in the Sunday newspapers at the weekend, he scored in the 3-1 victory in Switzerland on Tuesday.
England boss Fabio Capello praised his display, but Jagielka felt he could not offer any more of an insight into the striker's mindset.
"He seems his normal self but I haven't got an in-depth view of how he has been feeling," the Everton centre-back added.
Former Manchester United star and England team-mate David Beckham said Rooney would get plenty of support from Ferguson and his staff.

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