Carling Cup - Rooney happy to wait on decision

Eurosport - Wed, 25 Feb 17:20:00 2009

Wayne Rooney has said he is happy to let Alex Ferguson decide if he should be part of Manchester United's Carling Cup final line-up.

FOOTBALL 2008-2009 Premier League Man United Wayne Rooney - 0

Ferguson sprang a major surprise by leaving Rooney out of the starting line-up to face Internazionale at the San Siro on Tuesday night.

The United manager did all his preparation in the belief that Jonny Evans would not be fit, so Dimitar Berbatov's extra height would be required at set pieces against Jose Mourinho's men.

Ultimately, Evans was able to get through the game but Ferguson saw little point in changing his plans at such a late stage.

It meant Rooney was restricted to just seven minutes' action, during which time he was booked, at the Giuseppe Meazza.

Now Ferguson must decide whether to include Rooney in a side that his manager predicts will show at least seven changes for the Wembley showpiece against Tottenham on Sunday.

Dimitar Berbatov is among those certain to stand down but Rooney is left sweating as Ferguson decides whether a single substitute appearance in the first leg of the semi-final with Derby has been enough to earn the England star a big day out.

"I just have to wait and see what the manager says about Sunday," he said.

"All the players want to play, it is a cup final. But it is down to the manager because it is about the squad and how he thinks it should be used."

At least Rooney showed no ill effects from his recent hamstring injury, meaning he is primed to play a full part in United's end-of-season charge whether he is included to face Spurs or not.

Sporting Life / Eurosport

Comment 1 - 6 of 6

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  1. Ferguson should stop playing berbatov, though his a­ good player but weak and slows our game.

    From nonjosey, on Sat 28 Feb 9:20AM

  2. Rooney and Ronaldo should be on the bench as United are­ due to play the Toon away on Wednesday. Since Tevez­ didnt take any part in the CL in midweek he should­ start with Welbeck

    From Andrew, on Fri 27 Feb 12:32PM

  3. SAF's suggestion about why he left Rooney looks­ suspect whenever I hear it. If he knew that with Evans­ fit to play why did he have to wait for over 80 bring­ on Rooney. Fortunately we still have a chance against­ the canny Italians if we take our chances at OT. Glad­ AC Milan is out and next to follow is Inter, Juve and­ Roma. All except Milan thanks to Premier League teams

    From Andrew, on Fri 27 Feb 12:23PM

  4. Come on Ma U get Tevez signed up dont let Kia­ Joorabchian hold you to ransom though,He gives his all­ never stops running unlike Berba who strolls around for­ nearly 75 minutes and drop O'shea he's no­ vision cant keep up with the others back passes too­ often even when in the other half everyones attacking­ and he back passes..... You have Fabio, Rafael, theres­ even De Laet the new lad give him a run out and send­ O'Shea for running lessons.......

    From Bill, on Fri 27 Feb 1:19AM

  5. I HOPE HE IS.

    From L H, on Wed 25 Feb 6:25PM

  6. I'd like to see Rooney/Tevez up front.­ Nani/Gibson/Scholes/Welbeck in mid. Anyone who is fit­ at the back should be fine.

    From G, on Wed 25 Feb 5:50PM
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