Under the microscope: Rooney has been centre of
attention recently
Wayne Rooney has been ruled out of Wednesday's mouthwatering
Manchester derby - despite United insisting he had fully recovered
from his ankle injury.
Sir Alex Ferguson has taken the unusual step of sending his star
striker to America for a week's 'conditioning', which will take
Rooney out of the spotlight following his threat to quit the club
last month.
The 25-year-old came in for vehement criticism from fans before
performing a U-turn to sign a new five-year deal worth
£200,000-a-week at Old Trafford.
Rooney will undergo fitness training at Nike Town, in Portland -
travelling tomorrow and returning on Saturday week.
That would rule him out of the games against Wolverhampton
Wanderers this weekend and seemingly the clash at Aston Villa on
November 13 - as well as Wednesday's trip to Eastlands.
Assistant manager Mike Phelan said: 'It's a week's intensive
conditioning under supervision from our medical team and sports
science department.
'Wayne, the medical team, and the manager feel that will be
best.
'We have the facilities. We just thought it might be in the
interests of him and the club to have a change of scenery for a
little while.
Struck down: Rooney injured his ankle in training
three weeks ago
'He has had a lot of attention lately and we want to give him
the best opportunity that he possibly can to be in good shape when
he returns.
'He needs the conditioning. We all agree with that. He can go
there without the attention he would get around here.
Virus: United boss Ferguson is sick
'If that goes according to plan, he will be available when he
returns.'
Aside from Rooney, for once the weekly medical bulletin was led
by information on the manager.
Ferguson normally gives the weekly press briefing, but Phelan
said the Scot had been struck down by the same virus which
prevented four members of his squad travelling to Turkey for the
Champions League win over Bursaspor.
The virus will also keep Darron Gibson out of Saturday's
Barclays Premier League encounter with Wolverhampton.
'The manager has been ill since coming back from Turkey,' said
Phelan. 'He came down with a virus yesterday. He felt a little bit
like that on the flight coming back.
'Yesterday he felt worse, so we have kept him away from the club
for a little while.
"It is related to the virus that has been going around.
'It is one of those things that gets hold of you and is hard to
shake off but he will be at the game tomorrow.'
Phelan confirmed that Ryan Giggs is edging towards full fitness
after his recent hamstring problems, although it seems more likely
the veteran Welshman will make his comeback against City at
Eastlands than being rushed back for this weekend's fixture,
particularly as Darren Fletcher is set to shake off an ankle
problem.
'Darren Fletcher is showing positive signs that he could
recover,' said Phelan. 'We will have a look at him again this
morning and hopefully he will be available.
Comeback trail: Giggs (left) is nearing a return
from an ankle injury
'Ryan has been back in training and has started his preparation
for the matches. Whether he will be available for tomorrow we are
not quite sure yet.'
There are other virus sufferers who will need to be assessed,
although in-form winger Nani will not be considered.
The Portugal international limped out of Tuesday's win with a
groin injury amid fears he could be sidelined for some considerable
time.
However, he reported an easing of the discomfort yesterday and
now he is undergoing treatment it is hoped will have him ready to
face City.
'There is a possibility he could play against Manchester City,'
said Phelan. 'Having reported in yesterday with the injury from
Tuesday night, he felt a lot better than we expected, so we are
going to progress him as quickly as we can with a view to next
week.'