Manchester United manager David Moyes does not expect Wayne Rooney to play at Wembley Stadium during Sunday’s Community Shield match against Wigan.
Manchester United boss David Moyes does not believe Wayne Rooney will be available for Sunday’s Community Shield at Wembley.
The disenfranchised striker supposedly injured his shoulder in a training game against La Liga’s Real Betis last Saturday, and was absent from the United squad that travelled to Sweden for a pre-season friendly against AIK Stockholm.
Even though he is injured Rooney has been named by England manager Roy Hodgeson to play in the match against Scotland next week, but it remains to be seen whether or not the England striker will play.
“I don’t think he is going to be fit and available. Of course we are still hoping he will, but I have a feeling he won’t make it,” said Moyes.
Despite the concerns over Rooney, Moyes is also thinking about Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial at Old Trafford on Sunday, and what the reaction from the crowd would be towards Rooney should he feature in that game, which of course he probably won’t. Goalkeeper David De Gea and Mexican forward Javier Hernandez should be available however after not playing in the game against AIK.
“David has staved his finger – but he’s okay,” he said.
“He could have played in Sweden and we hope he will be fit for Friday night and Sunday’s Community Shield against Wigan at Wembley.
“Javier has a bit of a hamstring problem that he picked up in training but we didn’t want to risk him.”
Nani and Jonny Evans are both doubtful after having picked up knocks in Stockholm.
“Jonny Evans actually got kneed on the ankle. He thought that he was going to be able to run it off, but if we left him on then it would only have got worse for him,” he said.
“Nani just felt his groin tighten up and he didn’t want to take any risks. Neither did we. We thought it was safer to take him off at that time.
“Most of the injuries we have got are not serious, we are just protecting them.”
