Gutted that wazza is out for next few weeks I guess its what we all feared. Danny Fullbrook in D.Star says its a blessing in disguise for England fans (is he a cockney t**t ?) as much as I want rooney in the england side to make the world cup more watchable I would give anything to have him back for the seasons run in including giving up england. Stuff england UNITED come 1st england is just a side show. I think alot of reds think we are screwed without him maybe we are but hopefully we will show we are not a one man team and the likes of berba, nani, carrick raise their game to another level if the rest of the team play well and these three play really well we could still win the prem. GET WELL SOON WAYNE...........

Rooney facing four weeks out
United and England striker suffers sprained ankle

Wayne Rooney is facing between two and four weeks on the sidelines with a sprained ankle, Sky Sports News understands.

The Manchester United and England talisman had the nation holding their breath as he crumpled in a heap on the turf at the Allianz Arena in the closing seconds of the 2-1 UEFA Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich.
Rooney, who had bagged his 34th goal of an astonishing season with just 64 seconds on the clock in the quarter-final first leg meeting, had to be helped from the field and later left the stadium on crutches.

Replays of the incident showed he had turned his right ankle when he landed awkwardly, causing immediate concern for Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson and England counterpart Fabio Capello.

The fears of the national team appear to be have been alleviated by the initial prognosis, but the Red Devils will be without their attacking ace for a significant spell during the title run-in.

Ferguson's men, who head the Premier League by one point from Chelsea, play host to their title rivals at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime in what could well prove to be a pivotal moment in the season.

The return leg of their European showdown with Bayern follows next Wednesday when United know they must score if they are to progress to the semi-finals of the competition.

Rooney can expect to miss the trip to Blackburn on 11th April and may also struggle to be involved in the Manchester derby with City at Eastlands the following weekend and the home meeting with Spurs on 24th April.

That would leave the 24-year-old with just the Premier League encounters against Sunderland and Stoke to regain match sharpness in domestic action before attention turns to England's World Cup bid in South Africa.

source: skysports.com

Atletico starlet snubbed Wigan
Young keeper dreaming of Red Devils switch

Atletico Madrid starlet David De Gea has confirmed he turned down the chance to join Roberto Martinez at Wigan Athletic last summer.

The teenage keeper had been all set to link up with the Latics before deciding he wanted to remain in La Liga for at least another season.

De Gea reportedly rejected Wigan as his long-term ambition remains replacing Edwin van der Sar as Manchester United's number one.

Interest

While the 19-year-old has confirmed his interest in playing in the Premier League, he is in no rush to make the move to English football.

"I was about to go to Wigan but wanted to stay at Atletico and take my opportunity another time," confirmed the Spaniard.

"The Premier League would be enjoyable and is an option I would like a bit later in life.

"Now is not the time to move. For me, Van der Sar has been one of the best in the world."

source: skysports.com

It is well established that the Premier League is the world's richest football division and that its players are, collectively, the best-paid on the planet.


But it might surprise some people to learn that compared to the richest divisions in other globally popular sports – basketball, baseball, cricket, American football and ice hockey – England's finest come some way down the pecking order.

Manchester United's comparable figures are £55,818 per week, or £2.9 million a year, while just outside the top 30 are Arsenal, at No 31 (with average pay of £50,289 per week; £2.6 million year) and Liverpool at No 33 (£48,662 per week, £2.5 million year).

Aside from Real, Barca, Chelsea and United, the top 30 is dominated by basketball franchises and baseball clubs in the United States. It does, however, include three teams from cricket's Indian Premier League, the upstart competition in world sport.

Nani signs new United deal
Winger admits playing at Old Trafford is a 'dream come true'

Manchester United winger Nani has signed a new contract which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2014.

The Portuguese has started to fulfil his potential this season after being asked to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved to Real Madrid last summer.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been suitably impressed and believes there is still more to come so has ensured the 23-year-old will stay with United.

Ferguson told his club's official website: "Nani is an emerging talent within the team and has developed tremendously since joining the club.

"We are delighted he has signed a new contract and I am sure he will have a long and successful future here at Manchester United."

Nani, who signed for United in July 2007 from Sporting Lisbon, said: "I am delighted to have signed a new contract. It has been like a dream come true to play for Manchester United.

"The coaching staff have taught me so much about the game and I'm playing alongside some of the best players in the world. I'm looking forward to winning many more trophies with this team."

source: skysports.com