Wayne Rooney issued a direct challenge to the authority and integrity of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson by insisting he has been 100 percent fit all season and has not been suffering any ankle problems, according to comments published Thursday.
Ferguson had used the injury to explain the England striker’s omission from United’s recent matches against Valencia and Sunderland after he was substituted during a 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers on September 26.
Rooney, though, was adamant as he left Wembley stadium after England’s goalless draw with Montenegro on Tuesday night that he has been fit all along.
His claims will lead to renewed speculation about the reasons for Rooney’s recent absences — whether they be punishment for his alleged marital misdemeanors or concerns over his mental state — but of greater significance is the suggestion of a rift with Ferguson, the subject of feverish gossip at Old Trafford for some time.
“I’ve had no ankle problem all season,” Rooney said. “I don’t know why the manager said that. I’ve been 100 percent fit all season. Towards the end of last season I was injured. But even during the World Cup I trained in every session and had no problems fitness-wise. I train as hard as I can every time. I do extra every day and have done since I was a young boy.”
Ferguson will be furious at hearing his words publicly contradicted by a player he has steadfastly supported throughout a number of controversies since signing him from Everton six years ago.
The manager takes a strong line on dissent from the dressing room, and will not tolerate any criticism from his players irrespective of their status or ability. David Beckham, Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy were all forced out of United after clashing with Ferguson, and Rooney will be made aware in the next few days that he is playing a dangerous game.
The player also complained about his lack of game time this season. The 24-year-old has played only five matches for United, which he blames for the indifferent form that continued when he returned to action in England’s disappointing European Championship qualifier Tuesday.
“I think in [the English Premier League] you need to keep playing because if you’re not at full fitness, it’s difficult to break teams down,” Rooney said. “I started the season and felt I was getting sharp, then missed three or four games so don’t feel as sharp as I thought I would.
“I’ve only played six or seven games this season, including for England. I just want to keep playing consistently now and I’m sure the goals will come.”
