Star striker Wayne Rooney was unexpectedly left out of Manchester United’s team for its clash with his former club Everton today — because of concerns about taunts from Everton fans.
He was replaced by Gary Neville.
“We made the decision simply because Wayne gets terrible abuse here [at Everton’s stadium Goodison Park] and we’re not going to subject him to it,” Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said before the game. “Let’s put it to bed straightaway. I am not discussing any of my players’ personal lives.”
Manchester United tied with Everton 3-3 in the game.
Despite missing today’s clash, the 24-year-old striker is expected to play Tuesday when his team faces Scottish team the Rangers in the Champions League.
Rooney came under intense media scrutiny in recent days following the publication of lurid allegations about his private life. U.K. newspaper the News of the World alleged last Sunday that the Manchester United striker slept with escort Jennifer Thompson, 21, while childhood sweetheart Coleen Rooney, who he married in 2008, was pregnant.
He played and scored for England in Tuesday’s Euro 2012 qualifying victory over Switzerland and had been expected to take to the field Saturday.
